Technique Instructions

GENERAL APPLIQUE INSTRUCTIONS for using Vliesofix or Steam a Seam (2-sided bonding web) and an applique mat.

1.    The pattern needs to be reversed.  Turn over and retrace all lines, sitting pattern on another piece of white paper usually shows up all the lines.  Otherwise, use a lightbox, window etc.

2.    Trace each numbered piece of the pattern onto the smooth side of the Vliesofix, leaving some space between each shape.  If using Steam a Seam make sure that you trace onto the paper that adheres to the webbing.  There are pieces that under or over lap indicated by a dotted line - these extensions need to be included in the tracing.  Number the pieces as you trace so you can identify them easily.

3.    Cut out these traced pieces with some space around them, i.e. don't cut on the drawn line.

4.    Iron the rough side (glue side) of the Vliesofix shape to the wrong side of the chosen fabric.  If using Steam a Seam, remove the paper that is not traced on and press the webbing side to your fabric.  Cut out shape on the line.

5.    Place the applique mat (Teflon ironing sheet) over the top of the pattern page and using the numbering guide given start assembling your picture.  Peel paper from back of #1 shape and place in position on applique mat.  Tip the iron onto the shape to hold it in place.

6.    Continue removing backing paper from shapes and placing on mat, gently pressing each piece as you put it in place.

7.    When picture is complete the whole piece can be lifted from the mat and placed onto the background fabric.  The second glue side of the Vliesofix has only worked with the under and overlaps and when you iron your piece onto the background fabric it will bond to it.  For Steam a Seam use your iron at steam setting for this last stage.

8.    Either machine or hand blanket stitch in place.  When machining, place "tearaway" under background to stabilize the block while you stitch.  Tearaway is a type of Vilene that, after your stitching is done, just "tears away"!


Tips for Using Fusible Cotton/Polyester Batting

We just love this batting – it is easy to use, washes well, it can even go in the drier.

 

  1. This Batting is 2.4 metres wide and when you first purchase it, it will be folded in half.  Open it out so that it is one thickness.
  2. Use a flat surface for basting the quilt, batting and backing together.  At The Cloth Shop we push two of our large tables together so that the quilt can lay out completely flat.  You will be using a hot iron to fuse the layers together so it needs to be a surface that can stand heat.
  3. Lie the backing, right side down on the flat surface.  Use small pieces (about 3” long) of masking tape to stick it to the surface – masking tape will not harm the surface of your table.  Put half the masking tape on the quilt backing and half the masking tape on the quilt – this will keep your quilt secure in case you have to lift the batting later.  Don’t have the quilt backing drum tight – just nice and firm with no wrinkles.
  4. Place the batting on top of the backing and smooth it out.  Trim if necessary so that it is the same size as the quilt backing.
  5. Place the quilt on top of the batting and backing.  The quilt should be slightly smaller than the backing – about 2” all round.
  6. Use a hot iron – don’t use steam – and iron the quilt top on to the batting.  It doesn’t matter where you start ironing, just make sure everything is smooth and straight.  The top and the batting should be stuck together but they will separate if you give them a tug.
  7. Take off the masking tape and turn the quilt over so that the backing is facing up.  Iron backing the same way as you ironed the front.
  8. The quilt is now ready for the quilting.  If the edges start peeling off as you put it in or out of the machine just iron in place again.



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