You shouldn't need to back your machine appliqués with any stabilizer. As a matter of fact, you shouldn't need stabilizer with your hand appliqué projects either.

Stabilizer is meant to give an additional layer to hold stitches in place. Machine embroiderers use stabilizer on the back side of their projects so the threads have a second layer of fabric (the stabilizer) to latch onto.

When you appliqué, you are using at least two layers of fabric, so the stabilizer underneath is unnecessary.

Adding stabilizer, even the tear away variety, can add unwanted bulk to your quilting projects.

If you use a fusible product on the back of your appliqué designs for more security, it helps act as a stabilizer. In addition to holding your design in place while you create the outlining stitches, it adds just a little density to your fabric and gives your threads a little something extra to hold onto.

Another good reason to use a fusible product when you appliqué is that it helps hold the cut fabric edges in place. No one wants their appliqué to fray.

Once it is heat set, this product helps keep your design and those fabric edges in place! If you notice some fraying after you complete the sewing, simply snip the frays close to the seam and dab a little anti-fray liquid to it.

Any time you use an anti- fray liquid, it is important to remember that the product is flammable. Follow the directions on the bottle or tube. Make sure the one you choose is able to be laundered, too.

If you have an extra heavy stitching segment of your appliqué, you might want to use stabilizer. For instance, if you have a typical fabric appliqué, but then plan to embroider a name or monogram on it, too, you will want to use stabilizer.

In a case like that, you have several options. You can use a tear away stabilizer, but those are stiff and you will need to be sure to get every small bit out before finishing your quilt. You can use a light weight stabilizer backing and trim around it.

This might show through if your project is sewn onto a light background. The option I recommend is using water soluble stabilizer on top of your quilt top. That's right -- on top.

There are two types of water soluble stabilizers. One is thin and generally white in color. The other is clear. Clear is better when using on top of a project for obvious reasons. With clear, you can still see the quilt top and that helps you line up your embroidery better.

Use a double layer of clear water soluble stabilizer, then when you are finished, gently tear them away one layer at a time. Ripping them both at the same time might stretch your stitches. You could also cut around the stitched design. Everything left will wash away in the first washing.

Unless you have plenty of time, resist the urge to spritz the stabilizer with water to get rid of it. Spritzing makes the stabilizer get gummy.

It will eventually rinse off, but that means your "spritzing" turns into a much longer affair that will require quite a lot of time to dry. If you are making an appliqué quilt to give as a gift, I recommend attaching a small note to the quilt that simply explains any remaining clear stabilizer will disappear with the first washing.

The white version of the water soluble stabilizer does wash away in the same manner, but it is difficult to see through for placement purposes. Plus, having the excess white remainder will distract from your quilt.

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren

TheQuiltingCoach