What am I doing wrong...
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Posts: 859
How do I keep my appliques from fraying? I use the fusible material, pull it off and iron the applique on my block and as I begin to blind stitch, all these little strings poke out. I'm so frustrated! Can anyone help me? eightylady
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 3,586
It may be the fusible you're using or maybe you're stretching the fabric edges when you remove the backing? I use a pin or my seam ripper to score the backing from the middle of the piece and tear from the middle out--less stress on the edges. And when you're fusing them down, pay special attention to the edges. Those would be my suggestions. Raw edge applique tends to have a few threads sticking out anyway--not alot but some.
#4
I love fusible applique, and have made many quilts with it. I like Steam a Seam Lite fusible. I don't have too much trouble with fraying, but as was mentioned, careful handling and proper pressing is vital. Could you be using a fabric that freys alot anyway? I also use 2 strands of embroidery floss to blanket-stitch them after fusing and make small-ish stitches. Also, it is important to handle carefully your pieces while appliqueing and just before I stitch a section, I cut any wayward threads there may be. Don't think there is much else you can do. As long as it is fused well around the edges, a little fraying shouldn't be noticable.
#6
When you remove the backing to the fusible, score the center of the paper with a needle, then carefully peel from the center outwards.
Some fabrics will fray more than others... tightly woven fabrics seem to work best.
Starch and fusible doesn't always work well... it can prevent the fusible from sticking as well :wink:
Some fabrics will fray more than others... tightly woven fabrics seem to work best.
Starch and fusible doesn't always work well... it can prevent the fusible from sticking as well :wink:
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