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From: HeatherL
Date: 09-07-2004, 07:12 PM (1 of 12)
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If you use wonder-under to position an applique, do you still stitch the edges of the applique? I'm torn...I'm not sure whether I want to: 1. Use wonder-under and then outline in a thick zigzag stitch so it doesn't have that "unfinished" look... or 2. Turn the edges under and sew it on, the old-fashioned way. Ah! I guess I have two questions...if I use the wonder-under, can I still turn the edges under? It *seems* like this should be a make-life-easier product, but I'm not convinced that I'm going to get good results. What are your experiences? |
User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 09-07-2004, 11:39 PM (2 of 12)
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Are you wanting to do machine applique or needle turn applique? The method of applique determines whether or not you use the Wonder Under. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: GreenDragonLady
Date: 09-08-2004, 07:50 AM (3 of 12)
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Some people make the determination on whether to sew around the edge of fusible applique or not with what type of quilt it is. If it's a wall quilt that's not going to be washed or dragged around, some people don't sew at all. If it's going to be washed and used, you may want to do a zig zag or applique stitch around the pieces. If you use invisible thread and a small stitch, you would hardly see it. Or, if it's a more country pattern, you could use contrast thread and do a buttonhole stitch (if your machine has it). I don't think if you're using the fusible that you could turn the edges under easily. It would probably leave a ridge because it's two layers of fabric and two layers of fusible. Jessica photos.yahoo.com/greendragondesigns
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User: GreenDragonLady
Member since: 07-29-2004 Total posts: 495 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-08-2004, 07:03 PM (4 of 12)
There is another option.. Personally , I love wonder under, but not for applique on quilts and wall hangings.. I save the dryer sheets and use them line interfacing on my applique pieces.. put dryer sheet on RS of applique piece and sew all around in 1/8 to 1/4 seam allowance.. Pull apart in the center and carefully cut a slit in the dryer sheet only, turn and press.. Now you have a finished edge piece to applique as you please.. My machine has the blanket stitch or buttonhold stitch and I like to use that with contrasting thread.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Yakityak
Date: 09-08-2004, 08:49 PM (5 of 12)
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You can also use wax paper as a template to iron around. I have done this a lot, but I've never gotten the wax to stick to the fabric the way people say it should... but I find it works anyway. If you find the fusibile makes things too stiff but you don't want to do hand applique, you have 2 options: 1) use some method to get the edges to turn under, either by the technique posted earlier or by ironing edges under around a template, and sew the applique on by machine. (You can use basting glue - stick or spray - to get it to stay in position. 2) 'hollow out' the center of the wonder under so that the the applique is only fused around the perimeter. I personally really like the wax paper technique, because when you're done there is absolutely NOTHING in between the applique and the ground fabric and it is the least amount of bulk. Yak I spy something that starts with 'S'... Swap!
Want to make an I-Spy quilt? Come swap with us at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ISpyQuilts/ |
User: Yakityak
Member since: 09-08-2004 Total posts: 10 |
From: Yakityak
Date: 09-08-2004, 08:56 PM (6 of 12)
Oh, I ought to confess... I positively despise 'raw edge applique'. To me it just screams shoddy workmanship. I know I might irritate a few folks by saying that, but well... everyone's got opinions. Raw edge applique doesn't hold up over time... and it turns what once was a utilitarian art into a hot-house flower. I'm all for techniques that will improve the artistic quality of any art form ... but I don't believe in using a technique that compromises the structural integrity of a piece without any clear benefit on an esthetic level. Wonder under just ain't that beautiful to me. Your mileage may vary.  Yak I spy something that starts with 'S'... Swap!
Want to make an I-Spy quilt? Come swap with us at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ISpyQuilts/ |
User: Yakityak
Member since: 09-08-2004 Total posts: 10 |
From: oklahomanana
Date: 09-09-2004, 08:19 AM (7 of 12)
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Hi, I totall agree with LeapFrog Lilly on the use of the dryer sheet. It is really nice to use and makes a nice applique finished piece. When i use the wonder under for applique, I also use the buttonhole stitch on my machine to make a nice finished look. It sets it off to me. Experiment with it and see what works for you. I don't care for the raw edge applique look either but that is my own opinion too, to me it just looks unfinished. The button hole stitch really stands out and to me looks more professional and (store bought). Again, that is my opinion. With all the good advice you can get from this forum I am sure you can easily make up your own mind which works for you. We are blessed to have such wonderful ladies help us all out time to time. Always remember quilt and sewing friends are the best, because they will always keep you in stitches! God Bless. Dorene
One of the best gifts to give a child/grandchild is your listening ear.
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User: oklahomanana
Member since: 09-07-2004 Total posts: 406 
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From: oklahomanana
Date: 09-09-2004, 08:22 AM (8 of 12)
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OOPS! I am sorry for the mistake in the name~! I said Leap Frog Lilly and it is Leap Frog Libby! AW! So sorry for the goof. Please forgive me!
One of the best gifts to give a child/grandchild is your listening ear.
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User: oklahomanana
Member since: 09-07-2004 Total posts: 406
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From: HeatherL
Date: 09-13-2004, 10:45 PM (9 of 12)
| So many good ideas. That dryer sheet technique sounds very clever. I'm not quite sure what the wax paper technique is, though? |
User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: oklahomanana
Date: 09-14-2004, 08:53 PM (10 of 12)
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Heather, I do not use wax paper, instead I use freezer paper. You draw your design on the fpaper, then cut it out, lay that on your fabric(backside of fabric) and press with warm iron shiny side down. This adheres to the fabric this way. Then cut out your shape again only this time leave a 1/4 " allowance around the edges. I then use a water soluable gule stick and glued my 1/4"edges on the backside down to my fpaper. Turn fabric over and hand or machine stitch your shape onto to your background fabric. Then, make a opening in the back of your piece of background fabric in the center back to pull out the freezer paper. The stitches you made on it to applique it to your fabric should make it easy to rip out. Hope this explains it. If Not let me know and I will try to send pics of the steps. I will borrow a digital camera and do it for you. Always glad to help out. God Bless. One of the best gifts to give a child/grandchild is your listening ear.
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User: oklahomanana
Member since: 09-07-2004 Total posts: 406
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From: HeatherL
Date: 09-14-2004, 10:48 PM (11 of 12)
Oh, how clever! Why the hell isn't that mentioned in any of the beginner books I have lying about!?  Thank you so much! I'm anxious to try this! |
User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: oklahomanana
Date: 09-14-2004, 11:42 PM (12 of 12)
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ANOTHER WAY Heather is like this! I just learned this last night in a quilt class and it is faster to me than the glue stick! By the way I got my qlue sticks at Sam's and they were in green tubes and came 18 to a pack. Hope you understand this way as well! From template cut you a shape (we did apple) Out of a cereal box or whatever means you have that is stiff.The stem, leaf are cut away and are done separate. Lay a piece of foil (does not matter which side) down on your pressing surface, lay your cut out apple shape face down on the foil. Making sure backside faces you. Spray lightly with starch. Then lay the template on top of the fabric apple. Fold the foil up and around the fabric and template material apple. Snip indents as necessagry to achieve a smooth curve (s). With your fingers smooth the foil edges until no points are sticking out and all edges are smooth! Set your iron (Dry) on the foil wrapped apple for appx 10 seconds. Lift, turn the apple over and iron the other side (foil) for 10 seconds. Press both sides at least 4 to 5 times. Be careful, the foil gets very hot! Allow to cool, if still damp rewrap and press again. The book said to allow to set overnight but you know how us sewers and quilters are we want it NOW, so we unwrapped our apples and they were so smooth in their shape! Applique to background fabric with your choice of stitches! 
One of the best gifts to give a child/grandchild is your listening ear.
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User: oklahomanana
Member since: 09-07-2004 Total posts: 406
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