TeriB

Im making a quilt with a picture of an elephant and hearts. I have never done the close zig zag stitch around the applique. it is pulling the background material up, should i have used a stabilizer?

TeriB

looking for a quilt piecing machine want one around $500 -$700 any suggestions, would like auto thread and cutter

Sharon5012

I used to appliqué my kids clothes in the manner when they were young, including a sweet little elephant once. I stabilized the appliqué piece with light, iron-on stabilizer before I cut it out. But no stabilizer on the background piece. Perhaps try a lighter thread so the ZZ stitch is not too dense. Or try lengthening your stitch a tad to open the ZZ just a little bit more. Maybe reducing the amount/density of the ZZ would smooth things out enough.

Tartan

When the stitching pulls up the background, it usually needs a stabilizer on the back or less dense stitching. If you don’t have stabilizer, you can use the paper coffee filters or similar behind the backing and carefully remove after stitching.

thimblebug6000

I use a paper newsprint as my stabilizer when doing machine appliqué and then just rip it away when the design is completed. Just slip any kind of paper you have under your block and hopefully it will make a big difference. Good luck!

Quiltah Mama

The answer is yes, and terial magic works great. There are some great videos on YouTube that demonstrate it. When I am doing applique, it is my go to to prevent issues when sewing applique, then it washes right out.

Irishrose2

Did you use Wonder Under or something similar to adhere the elephant to the base? I find I don't need a stabilizer if I use Wonder Under.

quiltsRfun

I also use newsprint and it works well for me.

jmoore

Yes, a stabilizer would help with your issue. I use wonder under or a featherweight fusible.

Jshep

Thank you Tartan. I had forgot about using the paper coffee filters. Will freezer paper not also work?