Stabilizers for Machine Applique
by Elaine
I am going to do my first machine applique. ANSWER:Good temporary stabilizers need to be strong enough to support the applique stitches while stitching, and yet easy to completely remove once the stitching is done.The cheaper the copier paper, the better, as it will be thinner, more light weight and easier to tear away. A clean, pressed coffee filter is another alternative to try that's cheap and convenient. Do take a couple of minutes and make a practice block. It doesn't have to be big or specially cut. Just use the scraps with Steam a Seam on them that came from cutting out your shapes. Once the applique shapes are permanently ironed to your background fabric, it is possible you won't need any stabilizer for the blanket stitch. So do test first with the same threads and needle you'll be using for your project. Most importantly, check to see how easily the chosen stabilizer tears away. Did it distort your stitches. If so, try another. My preference for a paper stabilizer is newsprint paper like Carol Doak's Foundation Paper (8-1/2 Inch x11 Inch 100/Pkg for about $10.00) It's very easy to tear away once the stitching it finished. AND you can use it for paper piecing too. If these do not work for you, another alternative is to use starch or sizing to stiffen the background fabric. You will need to wash the blocks once they are finished to remove the starch. (For more information on adding and removing starch see Starch Quilt Fabric and Washing Applique Quilt Blocks.) Since you mentioned Steam A Seam, here are a couple of extra hints for it's use:
Elaine, I thank you for your question and hope my answer has been helpful. Piecefully, Julie Baird Editor
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