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Question of the Week

Question for the week of November 5, 2001:

Our question this week comes from Philippa

I am attempting a Baltimore Album Quilt - what method of sewing around all these tiny pieces do others use? I have used the iron on fuse method, now I want to machine stitch around the images - some of which are very small and there is overlapping. I thought satin stitch would be too bulky.

Virginia Walton, Creative Curves :
When I want an applique 'look' I have found that a "Blind Hem Stitch" is the best answer. You want a short stitch (about 1 1/2 on most machines or 11-12 stitches per inch) and a very narrow cross-over. The cross-over should barley catch the fabric of the piece that is being appliqued. This should work whether you are using a fusible or my preferred method, freezer paper. The sewing machine will let you sew through all layers - so this should work. Good Luck.

Linda Suppan :
Although I have not done Baltimore Album with fusible, I have done some "picture" quilts with fusibles. They were kits. I also wanted to "finish" the edges as I was not happy with the unfinished appearance. So I did various stitches. My machine does something similar to a buttonhole stich, which I liked on some pieces. I did mostly use satin stitch, tho. I used it as an opportunity to play with the many threads available today. Some are very fine, and I was able to do a narrow satin stitch arround several small pieces. A word of warning...I don't know that I would say it was "easy" as I really had to learn the best way to manuver the stitch and think ahead so the needle was down so I could turn curves, or corners.
NancyS :
As the last response mentioned, all Baltimore Albums I've seen have been hand appliqued. Using a fusible, I would think you'd need to finish the edges of the pieces or they will start fraying. Satin stitching is the only way I'd know to do that. You might want to consult a book or pattern which uses fusibles to see what is recommended.
Kathy in WA :
Boy, you're not getting much response, are you? I think most people who do the Baltimore Albums do hand applique, so maybe we are all stumped by the machine question. When several layers of fusible go on top of each other, it makes the piece very stiff. When I do machine applique, I use one of the basting sprays instead of the fusible. Less stiffness that way. Of couse, that doesn't address the issue of what stitch to use. Kathy

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