Straight of grain and fusible web

Do I need to worry about straight of grain if I am using fusible for my applique?

Also, in using monofilament thread do I start/stop with small stitches?

Is there a better way?

Reply

No, I wouldn't worry about getting the patches on the straight of grain when using a fusible web. The fusible pretty much acts like a stabilizer for the fabric so that the grain line really becomes irrelevant.

IF you were hand appliqueing the patch or preparing patches with invisible machine applique, then I would definitely make the effort to position the patch so the curved edges were on the bias grain. In my humble opinion, those bias edges are easier to turn.

As for the monofilament thread, there must be something in the air (big smile!), as another gal asked this very question a day ago!

I find the monofilament virtually impossible to hand knot and have the knot hold. I always use the microstitching (about a 1/4 inch of 25-30 stitches per inch) to hold the thread tails. I have not had any problem with those ends coming undone.

I hope this has helped.

Readers, your thoughts and comments are always helpful. Do share them using the 'comments' link found just below. Thank you!

Piecefully,

Julie Baird
Editor

PS I recommend that you do a little testing with a smaller needle, say a 70/10, if you're using the monofilament for stitching the patches to the background fabric. The monofilament won't expand to fill the hole made by the needle, and the fusible will help to hold the hole open. Therefore, I'd aim for the smallest needle that works without breaking.

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