Applique – Using Interfacing or Heat n Bond Adhesive

Since these two methods are so very similar, I decided to pop a video tutorial about both of them into the same post. Before we get to that though, let’s talk about each of them and I’ll tell you what I like about each one.

Please note that these two methods are for RAW edge applique.

Fusible Interfacing – I use Pellon 911 mid-featherweight. Find it in my shop here. The interfacing will fuse to the wrong side of your fabric. It’s a bit thicker than the adhesive, so if I’m appliqueing something light to something dark, I’m more likely to go with this method.

Heat n Bond Adhesive – We have this in the shop for sale here by the yard or here 1.25 yard packages. I prefer this to the interfacing, but change it up depending on what I’m working on. This product sticks to both sides: the wrong side of the applique and the top of the fabric you are appliqueing too. This means no pins need to be used. You fuse your applique down and your done until it’s time to stitch it down.

Video Tutorial

I know I’m going to get questions about these pretty fabrics. All but the background are very old and have been in my stash for years. I no longer know their names. I do know that the large floral is by Amy Butler and the smaller floral is by Joel Dewberry. The background fabric I’m using is Zen Chic’s Spotted in Amber.

These are my two preferred methods when I’m working with raw edge applique and when I don’t want to do any hand work. The products will make the applique a bit stiff, so adding any hand quilting would be extra difficult because of it. Sometimes though, it’s just what you need to whip a project done more quickly.

One more tiny tip that I mentioned in the video: I like using the Microquilter thread for any topstitching that will show. It’s a 100 wt thread and it hides better than anything else I’ve used.