How to remove Stable Stuff?

[Lotti D.]

I find that I really like working with it but, it is a little too bulky for my taste especially when trying to sew the curves. I'd prefer to take the Stable Stuff off JUST IN THE SEAM ALLOWANCE. I have a problem doing that because it just won't tear away. Also, I am not sure that I want to quilt through it so how to take it off before quilting too?

[Norma H.]

The Stable Stuff tears different in different directions. I guess that's why you have problems. Try to start in another place (but that won't help if it's a straight seam).A few fibers reaching out in the seam allowance will not be noticed in the final quilt. I suggest you make a sample, quilting it and then wash it. You just might be surprised of the outcome.

[Norma H.]

I was worried about the quilting too, Pam. Margo suggested to me that the finished top could be gently washed to remove the stable stuff before quilting. I don't know if that helps you now with your piecing, but it could be an option to keep in mind down the road.

[Jo H.]

If I remember correctly, the Stable Stuff is very similar to Sharon Schamber's product. You could remove it if you really want to but I haven't had any difficulty in machine sewing or quilting over it. In fact, once it is washed, it is so soft and gives a beautiful look of just a hint of trapunto.

If you would like to test so you know, applique some leaves using the SS and then submerge in warm water and watch how the product softens. Then allow to dry and feel it. It really is pretty fantastic.

[Jo H.]

What bothers me the most is the bulk of it on the seams. The last time I did paper piecing I tore off the paper at the seam allowances before sewing things together and I iron the seams open. It comes out so much better that way, IMO. I don't care for how very bulky the seam is between the February diamonds and the January diamonds, especially being pressed to one side. It feels like it's going to be a bear to piece that to the circle.

For attachig the March blocks it seems to me that pressing that seam open would be more manageable.

[Jo H.]

I have used RT Stable Stuff for other projects and as I worked with it, it softened up a good deal (not as stiff) I machine quilted with it still in the quilt, no problem. It does indeed become nothing but fibers when wet. If you want it out of the seam allowance, try trimming it before you sew that final seam. Or maybe you could run a thin line of water along the seam and the SS will pull away. I have not tried this method - it was just a thought. Let us know how it works out. Betty Ann

[Jo H.]

I was thinking of using a little brush to wet the seam allowance and see how that works. I'll try it. I'm about to do the frame on the other 8 diamond blocks so it may be tonight.

[Margo C.]

An Aqua Doodle is a great tool for applying water in confined areas!

http://aquadoodle.com/

[Margo C.]

That's very clever, Margo! Borrowing from you grandchildren? I'll have to remember that tip! Nice to see you on line tonight!

[Margo C.]

I didn't have a problem ripping the stable stuff out of the seam. I only pulled it out on one side of the seam - the bottom (the side that you don't see, that gets sandwiched). I left the top of the seam alone in case I needed to use it for positioning later and for the stability. The one thing that I did was to shorten my stitch length just like paper piecing, maybe that helped me to tear the SS away.

[Ellen T.]

Pam
I really like the stable stuff under my applique pieces but i am like you when it comes to the seams when you are putting the pieces together. Especially on the curved seams. I have found that if just one seam has the stable stuff and the other one is trimmed out it does pretty good. I learned to paper piece with good old freezer paper and instead of having the seam allowances included, they were not included on the freezer paper. When you trimmed your edges you just used a ruler and added the seam allowance then. I was thinking of trying this on the next round so I wouldn't have to trim the stuff out. If none of your other methods work you might try this.

ellen

[Norma H.]

If you watch show 911, you can see the method with paper piecing without having anything in the seam. I think this is genius