Fusible Applique Techniques

The last post showed the same quilt pattern, one in pastel fabrics, and one in primary fabrics.
And each used fusible applique, but in different ways.

The pastel ABC's and 123's where done using a technique in which the fusible is only on the outer 1/4" edge of the fabric.

The reverse of the design is traced onto one side of the fusible, and roughly cut out, leaving fusible beyond the outside edge.  Then another cut is made 1/4" in from the edge, on the inside of the design.  This skinny, stringy piece is then fused to the wrong side of the fabric.  The fabric and excess fusible are cut away on the outside, leaving something like this.

The paper backing is peeled away, and the letter gets fused in place.  Adding a stabilizer on the back, the fused letter gets a blanket stitch edging.
And on the backside, the extra backing and stabilizer are trimmed away, without cutting the applique.

This technique removes any bulk or stiffness the applique might have, and also eliminates show through.  That was my concern on this quilt, since everything was so pastel.

On the primary quilt, the letters and numbers where completely fused in place.  No need to worry about show through on this quilt.  And I didn't fret about stiffness either.  So the blanket stitch wouldn't pucker, I used a paper like stabilizer on the backside,

which I tore out afterwards.

Identical quilts, different techniques.  And I think that the technique used really depends on the quilt.  A complete fuse may work fine, but for some quilts, maybe not.  Possibly a completely different technique of applique is warranted.  It really all depends on the quilt, it's use, and my time.

Applique.  To be continued...

Happy Quilting!