Wednesday 1 March 2017

Experimental applique techniques with freezer paper

Reporting back on experiments with new (for me) applique techniques.using freezer paper:
almost all shown is now stitched down

For about fifteen years I have been using a single layer of freezer paper fused to the wrong side of the fabric, then I use the needle to turn the edge around the template shape, while pinning the pieces to death. Then I cut a hole in the back to remove the free

With a single layer of freezer paper, if I am painting the seam allowance with starch then turning the edge over and ironing it, sometimes the paper bends on a curve. So that, instead of a sweeping curve, I have a straight bit on a leaf, and a couple of corners. Oops. And the points aren't always so pointy on a leaf, there is a lot of excess fabric to try to squeeze into a leaf tip.

I tried out a double layer of freezer paper, and  instead of painting on starch and ironing, I used a Bostik glue stick. It was so fast to stick the fabric down around the template, but, then you have to wait for the glue to dry.

*I tried it two ways: leave the fabric glued to the template, and stitch it down, but then I had to cut a hole in the back of the fabric to remove the  freezer paper anyway, and the glue held on to fabric tightly. When I removed the paper I felt the stitches were too big. Maybe because there was two layers of freezer paper, or maybe because with all the tugging of the glue, the stitches became a little bit loose.
*loosen the glue and remove the template, iron, then stitch. I didn't like this one either. The seam didn't stay pressed under neatly -  the sweeping curves were lost, and it was hard to glue baste down.

I also tried a double layer of freezer paper with the paint starch and iron method, remove template, re-iron, then use Roxanne baste glue. This one is my favourite so far, but I still need some practise folding under the seams with a big iron. Maybe the Clover mini iron 11 will help to get around corners. I have a little iron, but it doesn't have the fine point, and it gets heavy in your hand holding onto a little handle, and there is no rest, it feels a bit dangerous when I put it down. The seams aren't so stiff as they are with the clear gum.

Next thing to try is this: Floriani stitch and wash fusible product.
Reporting back in the next few days.

The good news is, I am trying all of these out on the actual quilts I am making, and not just sample pieces. What better way is there to learn and improve your skills than to make quilts?

Linking up to Esther's Working on Wednesdays.


3 comments:

Vireya said...

Your block is beautiful! And it is interesting to read your experiments with different techniques.

Jo said...

Good on you for trying all different ways... I made my 2nd quilt with the freeza paper on the wrong side. It was annoying. Then I moved on to it on top. Now I prefer drawing the lines on the right side, use baste it glue to place it and stitch way. If I'm careful they do end up in their right place. When I'm lazy they end up somewhere.

Elaine said...

love your block! I will ne interested to see how you get on with the fiorani