Quick Tips for Quilters- 1

Let’s share some quick tips for quilters!
About FUSIBLE WEB

I use a lot of fusible web – like Wonder Under, Vliesofix/Bondaweb, Heat and Bond, Steam a Seam.
Fusible raw edge applique is a quick technique that makes working with tiny pieces or odd shapes a breeze.

I have made many quilts in this technique and here are some tips:

• Fusible web makes the applique pieces stiff.This stuff is AMAZING for wall hangings but not so fabulous for baby quilts. If you need a soft and  cozy quilt for a baby, limit the number of applique pieces you use (or use other applique techniques but not  fusible web).

•  Usually we want the applique pieces to pop. So we leave the applique piece unquilted and quilt around it. This is a great technique BUT…If the piece is big and you have to wash the quilt (and I wash ALL my quilts), after washing, that applique piece will look wrinkled and you might have to press it. To avoid this, quilt over the applique pieces – it’s up to you how densely you quilt.Here are some examples:

Unquilted pieces; they are small but I still pressed them.

Right after washing; after that, I pressed those pieces.

I prefer to heavily quilt over the applique pieces.

• If you want to combine applique with trapunto,  DO NOT USE fusible web.

  Use glue to keep the applique pieces in place. We want trapunto be puffy but fusible web is stiff.

  Applique with fusible web and trapunto – not a good idea!

• The Jeans needle is the best needle to stitch over fusible web applique pieces.

• Fabric Softener

  Heavy quilting and fusible web make a quilt VERY stiff.  Soften it with fabric softener, even if it is a wall hanging (when I rinse the quilt, I add a little fabric softener in the water). The quilt will drape better, it will be easier to flatten it after washing and even the stitching will look more beautiful.

Do you need more information about fusible raw edge applique technique?

Raw Edge Applique Tutorial.
Applique + Trapunto Tutorial
Free Quilt Pattern
“Flamenco” Free Quilt Pattern

and many of my patterns use this technique.

Happy sewing!
Geta