Applique in quilts
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 45
I am starting a new block of the month quilt at my LQS. Some of the blocks will be appliqued. My plan is to make a lap quilt for my daughter and I know it will need to be washed more frequently. What applique method is best for frequent laundering? TIA Kathy
#2
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Fusible applique is probably the most likely to fray from many washings, so I'd avoid that. The exception would be if you do a lot of machine quilting that crosses over the edges. If you like a frayed look, you can do raw edge applique without a fusible and just machine stitch near the edges.
Most likely what you want, though, is a turned-under-edge form of applique.
Probably the most stable form of turned-under applique is machine straight stitching on the edges of the applique (one-sixteenth of an inch or less from the edge); however, very few people do this.
Hand applique would be fine. You would want to lock stitches periodically (knot or double-stitch in place) so that if a thread breaks, only an inch or two of applique edge needs to be repaired.
I like to use machine applique a la Harriet Hargrave or Sharon Schamber techniques. Invisible thread holds just as well as cotton thread for this technique, I think. Just stitch in place a few times at beginning and end to secure. If you are a perfectionist, you can pull threads to the back and knot before cutting. I wouldn't do this for a quilt that's going to get used a lot; it would be less time-consuming to simply hand mend any spot that might come loose later (unlikely, but it could happen).
My two cents, anyway.....
Mary
Most likely what you want, though, is a turned-under-edge form of applique.
Probably the most stable form of turned-under applique is machine straight stitching on the edges of the applique (one-sixteenth of an inch or less from the edge); however, very few people do this.
Hand applique would be fine. You would want to lock stitches periodically (knot or double-stitch in place) so that if a thread breaks, only an inch or two of applique edge needs to be repaired.
I like to use machine applique a la Harriet Hargrave or Sharon Schamber techniques. Invisible thread holds just as well as cotton thread for this technique, I think. Just stitch in place a few times at beginning and end to secure. If you are a perfectionist, you can pull threads to the back and knot before cutting. I wouldn't do this for a quilt that's going to get used a lot; it would be less time-consuming to simply hand mend any spot that might come loose later (unlikely, but it could happen).
My two cents, anyway.....
Mary
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