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You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Arts and Crafts > Quilting > Applique + free motion
Quilting - Applique + free motion
Expert: Dawn Paoletti - 11/2/2009
Question
I am thinking about making a series of leaf block squares to use as table runners/ centerpieces. I'd like to applique the leaf shape on the background fabric, and would like to try free motion stitching in some coppery colors to highlight veins etc. I have made a number of beginner+ pieced quilts in the past, but have never done applique before.
My questions are-
What kind of fusible should I be using? some say you can't sew on them once you have fused the fabric (although I did on a test sample and it seemed to work Ok)
Do I sandwich the fabric/ batting/ backing first, then play with the thread? or just do that on the appliqued pieces? Do I need a hoop to do that?
Since these are for a table centerpiece, should I use traditional batting? or a thick stabilizer? I have no idea if this even makes a difference. I could forsee having to wash it occasionally. (That is if I get them done in time for Thanksgiving!)
Thank you!
Julie
Answer
Julie,
Kudos for trying free motion! You'll find it is much fun and lets you be more and more creative.
You can sew through fused fabric, I do it all the time. In fact, if you don't fuse the edges of your applique before you sew it, the applique edges won't stay flat and will bunch up. Since you will be sewing through the fusing, I would get a light fusible. Solvy is a good brand, many quilters and embroiderers use it. You can also get it off the bolt at the usual fabric stores. You will also need to use a stabilizer under the whole piece (the background) and you'll tear off the stabilizer after the sewing is done. Use a light to medium weight stabilizer.
It's your choice if you want to use a hoop. I would say use whatever gives you the best control. Practice with a hoop and then without. Hoops tend to restrict your movement, but if you are working with a small applique piece, it shouldn't make a difference. If you are going to sandwich the quilt before you embroider, it'll be difficult to hoop those layers. I have quilted with embroidery before and not had any problems. I even used embroidery thread to quilt with. You will get a very nice texture if you use the embroidery as the quilting. If you embroider and quilt at the same time, you won't have to use stabilizer.
For small quilted items and tablerunners, low loft or cotton (or a blend) batting would be best. Your work will lie flat. I'm partial to cotton batting and it is very stable. If you wash it, the batting will shrink, especially if it's cotton batting (unless you wash the batting and fabric befoe sewing).
I'm sure whatever you do, you'll have a beautiful quilt!
Hope this helps,
Dawn
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