Foundation papers

[Barbara L.]

I am about to embark on two large projects over the next couple of years(a Dear Jane & a large NYB). I would like to do both of them using foundation papers which I want to leave in the quilt. The 3 sheets that I have researched are EQ printable Foundation sheets, Ricky Tims Stable Stuff & the Carol Doak Foundation sheets.

For those of you who have used them, is one product better than the other? How do they Machine quilt? Is there a product that I have missed :?:
Thanks

[Hannelore N.]

Can't really answer your question, Barbara, because I haven't used all three. All I can say is that Ricky Tims Stable stuff works very well.

[Barbara L.]

Thanks Lorchen, much appreciated

[Susan B.]

Barbara, For a three year project, I'd be inclined to do samples & wash them a couple of times to see how each reacts. If you are in the US and want a sample of Carol Doak's & Ricky Tims, I'll send you some. email me privately if you would like some.

[Margo C.]

Barbara, I haven't used the EQ printable papers so can't help with that one.

Carol Doak's foundations are paper and are meant to be torn away, not left in the project. It is paper, which is a wood product.

Ricky's Stable Stuff was designed specifically to be left in! It feels really stiff (easy to print on!) when you first start working with it but after it is handled a lot and especially after being through a wash cycle, it is very soft because the bonding agent dissolves and you are left with soft, loose polyester fibers so it is perfectly safe to leave it in your project.

[Pat L.]

I have tried both Carol Doak's paper and the EQ paper, and I find them comparable. but as Margo said, they are paper and must be removed. I have not tried Ricky's stable stuff, but plan on doing so. Happy quilting, Pat

[Beverly C.]

I've used Ricky's Stable Stuff for applique. It's a great product. I hope you'll give it a try. Haven't seen you on the forum for a while - welcome back! Beverly

[Nancy R.]

Definitely test whatever you plan to use. I used an EQ product several years ago that was a leave in, and the printer inks ran onto my white fabrics. It was just a pillow so no big deal, but good to test and try different methods to make the inks permanent. I did some testing with Ricky Tims' product before starting the Sedona Star quilt. I let the papers sit for 24 hours, then ironed them to set the inks. No running when I tested wetting the product, so I feel good about using that one. I also followed someone's suggestion and printed in draft mode to have less ink on the product. Doing these things might also work with the EQ product, I just haven't tried it myself.

Nancy

[Barbara L.]

Thank you all. I haven't been on the Forum for quite awhile (life sometimes gets in the way), but knew that I could count on your advise.

I live in Canada but have a son in Seattle so will order Ricky's Stable stuff & get him to bring it on his next trip. I already have the EQ & a package of the Carol Doak's paper. As my aim is to eliminate the ripping I will probably use Ricky's product.

Thanks for your help

[Robin G.]

Barbara, you might also check into Beth Ferrer's Wash-Away Applique sheets. They go through my inkjet printer just fine. They can also be ironed to your fabric and stick (unlike Ricky's stable stuff, for which you need glue), and also get soft and at least partially disappear with washing. I intend to try them the next paper-piecing project I use so I don't have to tear them away.

[Susan B.]

Barbara, Annis suggested vellum tracing paper for paper-piecing. (see paper-piecing discussion for 2013 BOM). I have to tell you, it's changed life and with a 1mm stitch length, holds together with two stitchings :shock: and is extremely easy to tear away with no pickies in the corners.

You can also see through it for great placement. Just something to consider. It's a whole lot less expensive than Stable Stuff.

[Margo C.]

If it's tearing away that you don't like, try using Freezer Paper for the foundation. (I have turned in a video, but don't know when it will be posted.)

The technique is shown on episode 707 with Judy Mathieson.

[Marti O.]

Could you use Washaway Appliqué sheets mentioned in Show 1111? I haven't tried them but have some in my sewing room. I thought they may be something I might use so I ordered some.

[Margo C.]

Marti, I've never used them. Does anyone have some insight?

[Susan B.]

http://applewd.com/supplies/WashAway.html

At $15.95 plus shipping for 25 sheets, that could get very expensive depending on the project. It's fusible on one side.