CrownJewel

Ok. I'm those of you who have been making them for years have had questions like this before. But........

I've always made dresses for little ones. Nothing complicated. So when I had my daughter same thing BUT... now that she's getting older and wants more intricate (sp) designs I'm having a hard time figuring out a few things.

I know how to applique' but I have looked around at a few different types of backing and can't seem to find one that I like. the ones I find are either to flimsy or to stiff. Any suggestions. I like the tear away stabilzer because it makes it so much easier to appliques because once I use the fabric glue to hold it in place it stays while I'm applique-ing it on. No pins. BUT it stays stiff and the minute you fold the material it makes it look all wrinkled. What can I use that isn't so flimsy but won't look wrinkled ?

ojibwaysweetie

I like to use Heat And Bond

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CrownJewel

Thanks so much for the suggestion. Someone else suggested Wonder Under. Have you used this before and if so which one did you like better.

Also sorry for posting this here. I didn't realize there was another section for questions like this. Saw it right after I posted this lol.

ojibwaysweetie

I"ve heard under wonder is good but I have not tried it.

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stacey curry

fabric-tac works good just put it in the middle of design

Czechy

Heat n Bond LITE (not the regular) is good if you are not going to be do a lot of layering since the adhesive has some stiffness to it. But its good stuff if you are you doing maybe 3 layers or less. The Wonder-Under is a bit thinner and can be used for designs requiring more layers. For tear-away stabilizer I use freezer paper which has been ironed onto the back of the design. That's cheaper than buying the fancy rolls at the fabric store. Do some experimenting to see which result you like best.

Dat1NdnGuy

i've heard the best for no sew is heat n' bond....if ur going to sew it all down than wonder under is the best.

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chazziff

my sister uses .... spray adhesive ... kinda messy (over spray) but its sold in Wal-Mart LOL. heat n bond/wonder under tends to muck up your sewing machine needle (as you heat n bond/wonder under users probably already know LOL). the spray adhesive ... it can be re-adjusted as needed also and doesnt leave your finished product ... stiff

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ojibwaysweetie

The regular heat and bond does not muck up my needle, but the ultimate heat and bond does. (the heavier one).

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2012amy

I've never done applique before, but Im going to try and applique a purse, I was thinking it gets sewn on but the adhesive backing seems like a better way to go, do most of you sew over top of the applique after its been bonded? How do you finish the edges, keep them from fraying and looking nice?

chazziff

zig zag stitch on your sewing machine ... does well for finishing the edges of your applique (helps if you plain on washing it in the delicate cycle or drycleaning too). if you want your piece to last ... this would be the last step in completing it. if you're sewing machine has different decorative stitches ... those look really good too.

its a nice idea to use a different color thread for your stitching ... jus makes it look a lil more "custom" i think. you can you the same color thread too ... if you want.

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ojibwaysweetie

I love doing applique. It is the creating and designing my patterns that I love more than sewing around the edges..LOL. Well now that i'm older and my back is giving out faster, I'm getting my daughters to practice slowly on good precision around the designs. I'll be da designer.

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Czechy

Simply bonding the appliques to your background may be tempting but its best to take the time to sew down around all the edges of each piece. It will last much longer and look better. Use a zigzag stitch which is fairly close together, almost like a satin stitch.

native_flutterby

i use wonder under, mainly because if i use heat n bond it gums my machine up...i dont think it likes me... lol and i so use a tear away stabilizer, as for the wrinkles when you tear it away i just use my fantastic little applique iron ;) its kinda shaped like a magic wand :D

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ojibwaysweetie

I will have to try the applique iron. I've seen them at my 'Auntie Joanne's' Fabric Store, but never bought one.

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