Liquid thread

[Margo C.]

I'm just starting on my appliqué. (Life doesn't always go as planned.) I elected to try Margo's glue/stabilizer method and I am having issues. There are many sharp angles on the pattern and where I have had to snip the fabric to accommodate the pattern I find that I am frequently unable to turn even a single thread of the fabric to the back of the stabilizer. In these places the applique is essentially raw edge without the fusible web to secure the edge. When I attach the applique pieces to the background fabric should I use a little liquid thread in these "raw edge" areas to keep the fabric from fraying? I would like the quilt to hold up to frequent laundering.

Has anyone used liquid thread with the raw edge applique technique on a quilt that is washed frequently? It seems like it would be a whole lot faster than cutting out all those fusible web pieces.

Thanks for your feedback.

[Margo C.]

Welcome to the forum, Bluesky.

If you are talking about the notches created by cliping on inside curves, I haven't had any problem with fraying when I stitch the appliques with either the narrow zig-zag, or vari-overlock, or blanket stitch.



If you are concerned, you might want to make a sample of one motif with lots of clips, using the stitch you are most comfortable with, and run it through a couple of laundry cycles with your regular wash and examine it for fraying.

[Margo C.]

Thanks Margo! After I posted I realized that my hybrid approach wouldn't work after all since the permanent glue would be on the stabilizer (which dissolves) and not on the fabric. I had the most difficulty turning the tear drops on the reverse applique tulips. Maybe I'll satin stitch around those and hope for the best. Does the glue really wash out? I think I am on my third stick. Am I using too much?

Thank you for your tutorials. I really learned a lot from them. You have a gift for teaching!

[Margo C.]

Thanks for the kudos, Bluesky.

I find that the glue does wash out, and I am REALLY generous with it! If you have any doubts, just glue a couple of pieces of fabric together with LOTS of glue and throw it in a regular load of laundry. See if they are still stuck together at the end of the cycle!