December 2007
Connie’s Tips
MAKING DESIGNS USING FUSIBLE APPLIQUE
You will need the following:
- pattern – check to see if the pattern needs to be reversed
- fabric for the design
- fusible web (we use Wonder Under but many fusibles are available
- background or base for the design (this could be fabric for a quilt block or a ready made apron)
- thread – usually 40 weight, but can be decorative or glitzy
REVERSING THE PATTERN ~ If the pattern reversed will be a problem for the design, you will need to reverse it before tracing the design on the fusible. (The alphabet would be backwards so must be reversed first.) To reverse a pattern, using a light box or at the window, trace the wrong side of the designs onto paper – this will be your reversed pattern.
MAKING YOUR DESIGN ~ Trace each pattern piece onto the paper side of fusible. Rough cut the traced pattern pieces out and iron onto the WRONG SIDE of the appropriate fabrics. Cut out on the line and remove the paper. **follow fusible instructions when ironing onto fabric.
ASSEMBLY ~ Put the pattern placement on the ironing board under an appliqué pressing sheet. We recommend the Bear Threads appliqué sheet as it is very transparent and heavy duty. Iron each pattern piece onto the sheet in the logical order to complete your design. When design is cool, remove from the sheet and iron onto background fabric.
SATIN STITCH ~ A close tight zigzag stitch over the raw edge of the design is called a statin stitch. Stitch width can be a “3” and length is just above a button hole stitch ~ maybe a “.5”. Use a small needle, such as a 70, place paper as a stabilizer under the background fabric and stitch through the design, background and paper for results. Remove paper by tearing away.
TEN TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL APPLIQUE
- Read the fusible instructions
- Reverse pattern if necessary
- Trace the pattern onto the paper side of the fusible.
- Assemble the design on the appliqué pressing sheet
- Use a permanent marker, if called for, on the design before removing from appliqué sheet
- Use pressing sheet as pressing cloth when applying the finished design to the background fabric.
- Use a smaller needle such as a 70, making sure it is sharp for satin stitching
- Satin stitch over raw edges of the design using tight close stitches.
- Place a stabilizing paper under the background fabric to satin stitch
- Pre-wash fabrics if significant shrinkage could be a factor – especially the background fabrics.
- **Bonus Tip – Whether tracing or ironing, your fusible web should be facing away from you. Place your appliqué sheet on your ironing board when ironing fusible onto fabric – if you get fusible on the ironing board cover – bummer – if you get fusible on your appliqué pressing sheet it just peels right off. Save your cover!!
Connie is the owner and designer for “Sew Wonderful Dreams”, a pattern company in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She specializes in patterns for the quilter. With a background in marketing, and a heart for teaching, Connie travels throughout the United States sharing her tips & techniques on quilting, and appliqué.
ConnieSpurlock
Sew Wonderful Dreams
1256 Bogue Court
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
208-667-6168
Fax: 208-665-2440
cspurlock@adelphia.net
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