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3367
by pat111otter 20 Mar 2015 ( edited Mar 21'15 07:58 )
+33

Where am I going wrong with appliqué? No magic what fabric I use for the base, it all has puckers round the edge that the steam iron will not shift!

Comments (12)
3367
by pat111otter 20 Mar 2015
+1
I meant to say "no matter"
16707
by tilde01 20 Mar 2015
+1
are you using stabilizer? It still has to be stabilized, unless you're doing it on felt. Your stabilizer should match the material that you're using and the stitches.
1 comment
by pat111otter 20 Mar 2015
Yes, I am using stabiliser, then a light spray of temporary adhesive, put the fabric on, machine the outline, put the applique fabric on, that has a bit of Steam a Seam on the back of it, carry on with the stitching, after trimming the appliqué fabric, take it out of the hoop, remove the stabiliser, and full of puckers !!!
140717
by spendlove 20 Mar 2015
+1
Is the design you have chosen too heavy for the base fabric?
1 comment
by pat111otter 20 Mar 2015
The fabric I have used for the base is twill, I'm only practising right now, the appliqué fabric is poly cotton, the design is a hippo, one of Molly Mine designs, it couldn't be simpler! I've done a lot of applique before with no problems, but at the moment, everything is going wrong !!
11271
by pcteddyb 20 Mar 2015
+3
Have you tried using something like heat and bond lite on the back of the applique fabric? It gives it body, keeps it from fraying when you cut, and you iron it down after you are finished so it does not shift around.
1 comment
by pat111otter 20 Mar 2015
I'm using Steam a Seam, it's brilliant stuff !
35675
by gerryb 20 Mar 2015
+2
You seem to be doing everything right. The only suggestion I have is try it with an all cotton fabric instead of polycotton. But you do need to prewash the cotton.
1 comment
by pat111otter 20 Mar 2015
Tried that as well!
33641
by pennyhal2 20 Mar 2015
+2
When this happens to me it is usually the fabric that is causing the problem. Try experimenting by switching out fabrics one at a time and see which one, if any, makes a difference.
1 comment
by pat111otter 20 Mar 2015
It must be the fabric!!
158718
by jrob 20 Mar 2015
+1
Try wetting your applique fabric with spray starch, then ironing it before you applique it down.
1 comment
by pat111otter 20 Mar 2015
I'm attaching Steam a Seam on the back, I watched a tutorial by Omas Place, it looked so easy, and she didn't have any puckers !!
2162
by Nicky602 20 Mar 2015
+1
You could also double the polycotton so that you are sewing on 2 pieces of fabric for applique. Might 'strengthen' it. Just a thought
1 comment
by pat111otter 20 Mar 2015
I've thought of that, but it's not the appliqué fabric that's giving me problems. I've put the design up on projects page.
3385
by KCowden 20 Mar 2015
+1
What size needle are you using?
2 comments
by pat111otter 20 Mar 2015
I'm using 75/11
by KCowden 21 Mar 2015
Sorry for the delay in responding. Sometimes I have better luck with size 75/14.
115778
by asterixsew 20 Mar 2015
+1
Just a suggestion - stop sewing today and have a cuppa and try again tomorrow
2 comments
by pat111otter 20 Mar 2015
I think that's the answer! I can't stop thinking about the hip replacement I've been forced into having! I saw the doctor this morning, and she could see that I was in pain, so it's X-Rays next week, and then she will get me sorted out! I'm such a coward, and have been putting this off for a long
time, but it's got to the stage where I'm having a job walking from one room to the next! She couldn't believe it when I told her that I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis 40
years ago !! No wonder I can't concentrate on my needlework!!
by asterixsew 20 Mar 2015
Good Luck Pat. I am putting off surgery too as I am not looking forwards to it either
4309
by danababes 21 Mar 2015
0
No-one else seems to have mentioned that perhaps you're hooping your base fabric too tightly...? That's when I get puckers... Looks nice till you unhoop then it puckers. I know how disappointing that is.
3246
by castor 21 Mar 2015
0
try using a sharp topstitch Needle und loosen your Tenchion one or two Notches