Starch for applique?

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08-09-2011, 01:13 PM

#11

ckcowl

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Join Date: Feb 2009

Location: Northern Michigan

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it depends on what kind of appliqueing you are doing-
if you are doing needle turn applique- some people actually use a paint brush and stach in a dish and use it to turn under the edges-
if you are doing fusable-raw edge applique- the starch (might) keep the fusable from adhering properly

08-09-2011, 04:12 PM

#12

LivelyLady

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Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Western MA

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I starch heavily for machine piecing, but do not loke starch for applique as I do needle turn and need the fabric to be soft.

08-09-2011, 05:37 PM

#13

Barb44

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Join Date: Apr 2011

Location: South Dakota

Posts: 662

I've never tried starch on applique but don't think I would like it. If the fabric is stiffer I would think it would be harder to turn under and stitch.

08-10-2011, 04:21 AM

#14

FirstQuilt

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Thread Starter

Join Date: Jun 2011

Location: In the Quilting Closet

Posts: 77

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjeriann

My favorite starch is MaryEllen's Best Press Starch Alternative. I use the method from One Piece at a Time website. She has great tips. I usually use a blanket stitch but this will work for hand stitching too.

http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-pi...lique-lessons/

I read this blog and watched the videos this morning. Great information. This will be how I do my applique! Thanks so much.

08-10-2011, 04:45 AM

#15

Hinterland

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Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: Hudson Valley, NY

Posts: 939

I've used starch on my applique, and didn't find it any harder to stitch through. I don't use it routinely, mostly because I don't like ironing a lot - too many burned fingers!

Janet

08-10-2011, 04:57 AM

#16

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Join Date: Sep 2009

Location: Where it's warm & sunny all the time :-)

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Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstQuilt

I did read that folks making perfect applique circles (lots of bias!) used washers for templates and then started the circles a lot to hold the shape during applique. That makes a lot of sense.

I use a liquid spray starch from the grocery store and it seems to work fine. Starch is definitely a necessity when making "perfect circles!" Side note....highly recommend Karen Kay Buckley's Perfect Circles templates....pricey but worth it if you're making a lot.

Also, I recently tried starching the fabric before cutting out some designs for needle-turn and it did reduce fraying, plus it seemed to help form a crisper edge, too. Do some practice pieces and see what works for you. Good luck!
Karen

08-10-2011, 08:20 PM

#17

DebbyT

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Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Grawn, Michigan

Posts: 643

I am working on an applique project that I used wax paper as patterns and brushed starch on the seam allowance to turn under then iron. I pull off the wax paper and sew on to the background fabric. When I began this project it was my intention to do needle turn, but I found I am actually doing more of a blind stitch. The fabric is too stiff to turn so I catch a few strands from the under side. It is looking real good but very time consuming.