Raw edge applique problem

[Eileen K.]

Hi,
I'm doing a halloween wallhanging with raw edge applique method.
I've used a fuible on all the pieces and used a small satin sitch around all the edges.
In some places the stitching is causing the fabric to fray and pull away from the stitches.
I've never had this happen before!
Can anyone offer suggestions about this?
Thanks!

[Teri L.]

what kind of fusible are you using
what width is the satin stitch
what thread are you using
what needle size what stabilizer

[Teri L.]

I used heat and bond lite
stitch is 1.5 x .3 (#354 on Bernina 630)
used invisible thread
didn't check the needle size
stablizer is pellon tear away

[Hannelore N.]

I often use 'Heat and Bond Lite' and have never had that problem. I use a stitch width (I'm not a Bernina user) that's wide enough for the needle to come down several threads into the appliqued shape. I have never used invisible thread because I actually want to edge treatment to show.

[Hannelore N.]

maybe I didn't use a wide enough stitch width... thanks

[Betty J.]

It may be the needle is too big a gauge, especially with a very light fusible web that doesn't fully fuse the threads (use the 60 or 70 weight sharps). Some invisible threads can cause problems. Polyester by Superior or Sulky is better for that than nylon, which is often heavier and tougher so it pulls, if you really want to use invisible. I've found the bottom line or 100 wt YLI silk looks wonderful...almost invisible and doesn't pull at all. The other thing that can cause that is too loose a weave of the applique material. I have had that happen early in my applique work and ended up using a little liquid stitch (applied with a toothpick or bamboo skewer) to stop the fraying and then I did a visible satin stitch edge covering, which wasn't what I intended at first, but it looked fine and saved my project. If you use the right needle and thread combination, and if your weave is dense enough, you often can get away with really narrow stitch width. If the weave is not dense enough, it helps to widen your stitch. Hope this helps. Cheers, BJ

[Betty J.]

yes, is sure does help. I do have fray stop so I'll use that and try go back like you did and do a wider visible stitch around the problem parts.
Thanks so much!