I have always used regular freezer paper, reynolds makes one and mine is bespak, they make products for canning and freezing. I have used plain old freezer paper since I started applique in the 80s. It is a lot cheaper. If I need it to go in the printer, I cut it to 8 1/2 x 11, works great.[/quote]

I'd like additional info on putting the regular freezer paper through the printer. Is it ironed on to anything before you feed it through?

For me personally, I don't have one favorite method that I always use. I switch it up depending upon the type of applique and the size of the pieces. Sometimes I use Freezer paper on top, sometimes for larger pieces, i may put it on the back side.
I find needle-turn very easy, but I have taught it and i know for some folks it is not easy. The best tools (proper applique needels and fine threads, good vision [ie: proper glasses or magnifiers] are quite essential IMO.
I use the fusibles when I am working with machine applique generally, with a satin stitch or decorative stitch to finish the edges. I like to use something that is not too stiff if i am going to use a fusible, like steam a seam lite.
Each project needs its own approach, IMO.

Sometimes I use freezer paper, sometimes fusible web. It is just according to what type of applique I am doing. If it is hand, I usually use freezer.

I've only done one appliqued quilt top so far (needle turn). Used freezer paper and had no problems. I'll enclose a photo so you can see that there are a lot of small pieces. I did this a long time ago, but I remember that I pressed all the edges of each item around the freezer paper template and then removed the paper BEFORE stitching the piece to the quilt, so I did not have to cut into the back of the quilt top to remove pieces of freezer paper.

You haven't said anything offensive. I'll have to try your method next time I'm in the needle-turn applique mode.

I use FREEZER PAPER > draw the "reverse" pattern on paper side > cut out on the line > iron to wrong side of fabric > cut out fabric with approx. 1/4 inch seam allowance > pin to background > applique with same thread color as applique piece, BUT before finished that part, leave about 1/2 inch, pull the freezer paper out with tweezers (a part of my notions) and finish the applique.

I don't use any other way!!!! Good luck!

weezie, your quilt top is beautiful. did you design it yourself?

Thanks, Lisa. It was in McCall's Quilting April 2002 issue. It's called "Embracing Sharon" done for Sharon ?? whose son had cancer.

I now have a friend in another state who is dying of cancer; when I first heard the diagnosis, I thought, "I'll sandwich and quilt my little applique lap quilt top and send it to her for when she gets out of the hospital and goes home." Initially, the guesstimate was that she had a year to live, but it's been only weeks since they found the cancer and her time left is now down to a matter of days or hours, I think; her powerful pain meds. have "taken her away" already. So, sadly, I never completed the quilt. I had forgotten until now that the original quilt was designed and made for a cancer victim.

So ... not a happy quilt.

oh, I am so sorry. That is terribly sad. But don't stop working on the quilt! Do it in her honor and pass it to someone in her family or keep it for yourself to remind you of the good times you had. it's too beautiful not to finish it!

I love using freezer paper for appliques and it works very well. First I trace my appliques on the paper,then I pressed it on my fabric. I have even went ahead and stitch over it and tore away the excess paper.It may sound impossible, but it works very well. Norma

Any experiences with MistyFuse? It is supposed to be very light and drapable, no stiffness.