Applique Helps
What is Applique?
Applique is the technique of applying simple cut outs to fabric. Now we all know Maggie Walker and McKenna Ryan quilt projects don't use "simple" cut outs but the principle is the same!
Here is a simple run down of ways quilters applique:
- Needle Turn
- Blanket Stitch edges using a Fusible Web
- Raw Edge applique using a Fusible Web
We recommend raw edge applique using a fusible web product such as Steam-A-Seam2 on the projects we sell. The edges of the applique are not finished using this technique as the quilts are considered art and will not be used for beds or throws.
Tell me about the Steam - A - Seam products
The following came straight from the Steam-A-Seam website:
"Sticky Back" vs. "Double Stick" Steam-A-Seam products:
Two types of Steam-A-Seam are available. The bond is the same but you may prefer one over the other depending on your project.
The original, Steam-A-Seam Sticky Back, has the pressure sensitive adhesive (the "stick") on one side which allows for a temporary hold to the appliqué material. It shifts easily on the second material allowing you to quickly reposition your appliqué pieces until pressed with an iron for a permanent bond. Once fused the bond is the same as Steam-A-Seam 2.
Steam-A-Seam 2 Double Stick has the pressure sensitive on both sides which allows for a temporary hold to both the appliqué material and the background material. You can hold your project vertically and the appliqué pieces stay in place and are still repositionable until fused with an iron. Before fusing, tack your project to a wall or try on a garment to check appliqué placement. You're able to reposition pieces while you're wearing them. Once fused the bond is the same as the original Steam-A-Seam.
How do I use the fusible web products such as Steam-A-Seam?
These directions are for Steam-A-Seam 2. If you are using Steam-A-Seam sticky back, trace directly on the web and remove paper liner. Follow steps 2 and 3. After cutting the appliqué pieces, simply position on the background and press.
- Trace appliqué design in reverse on paper liner and remove the second liner. (Check to see which liner removes first by peeling apart at the corner. Trace on the liner still attached to the web.) Skip tracing if you are not using a pattern.
- Stick Steam-A-Seam 2 to the wrong side of the appliqué material.
- Cut Steam-A-Seam 2 and material together along traced lines.
- Peel off remaining paper liner (leaving the web on the fabric) and stick appliqué to second material. Reposition as desired.
- Press for 10-15 seconds for cotton fabric (longer with a press cloth). Adjust temperature and pressing time to suit your fabric. Repeat, slightly overlapping pressed areas until complete.
Remember: nothing is permanent until pressed with an iron. If you change your mind about the appliqué fabric you are using, simply peel off Steam-A-Seam and stick it to new fabric.
Why are Teflon appliqué pressing sheets so wonderful??
The appliqué pressing sheet is a semi-transparent Teflon sheet that helps you assemble designs that have several layered pieces - you can see through it! Your iron won't melt it - and if you use it over your applique to fuse the pieces to the background, no sticky residue will accumulate on the bottom of your iron. If we'd only had one while ironing crayon shavings to wax paper with the kids a few years ago....:)
How do you use the Teflon Pressing Sheets?
When you have your pieces ready with fusible web on the back of them, place the appliqué pressing sheet over the placement guide (this is found in the pattern - the layout of the final design). Peel the paper backing off of each appliqué piece and start arranging them right on the Teflon sheet, following the placement guide on the pattern below your pressing sheet. After each piece is placed, tap them gently with the iron to fuse the pieces together. Instead of moving back and forth between the placement guide and the background, just arrange the whole composition right over the placement guide. The pieces stick to each other, but not to the sheet. When you are finished, just lift off the complete image as one piece and iron it onto your background. Whoa - now that's clever!
What do I quilt the top with?
That's easy: YLI invisible thread. If your compostion is light, use clear and if it is dark colored, use smoke colored thread. This is a monofilament thread which ends up looking like the fabric color underneath. You can quilt up a storm, not change colors while adding texture and stability to your quilt. You can use a cotton thread in your bobbin if you choose.