I have gotten several questions about the applique process I used when creating my Five Cent Fairy Garden Candle Mat from Kim Deihl’s book Simple Blessings…I thought I’d tell you about the process.
I used a product called Applique Stabilizer. It feels a lot like tear away or interfacing. I googled it online and here’s a link to learn more about it.
Step One: Trace your pieces onto the stabilizer and cut them out.
Step Two: Use a washable glue stick and glue the pieces to the wrong side of your fabric. Working on a surface that is covered with freezer paper with the shiny side down is suggested so you don’t get glue all over.
Step Three: Heat set it by ironing the top and bottom sides.
Step Four: Cut around the piece leaving a 3/8″ allowance. Then using more of the glue stick, glue the edges down. A cuticle stick from your manicure kit works great. Heat set again.
Step Five: Position your pieces and glue in place using a washable glue.
Step Six: Step back and admire.
Step Seven: Decide how you want to permanently secure your pieces. I did mine by machine. I used a smoke colored invisible thread on the top and a regular neutral thread on the bottom. Using a blind hem stick, I sewed the pieces in place. You will actually be stitching right next to the applique piece and your need will jump over and catch the applique piece. I had to mirror my stitch. Make sure to lock your threads in place at both the beginning and ending. Secure all pieces.
Step Eight: Layer the backing, middle and top and quilt either by hand or machine….I chose machine quilting.
Step Nine: Bind.
Step Ten: Wash in the washer and dryer. The stabilizer will dissolve and get a bit fluffy.
Step Eleven: Take pictures and share with the blog world.
…and that’s the story of my adventures in applique. Will I do it again? If the mood strikes, but honestly, I prefer piecing.
Your link for the washable stabilizer is broken . What is the brands of washable you use?
Sorry Denise. I have no idea. I made that project years ago and haven’t touched applique since then. I don’t remember the name.