I ony heavy starch the background and always works for me

Since SAS II is no longer available...at least for a while, I did find a fusible that is very good. It is not as repositionable as SAS, but it is soft and works well. It is called Fusi-Bond Lite Adhesive from Sew Lazy by Lazy Girl Designs. I was able to purchase it by the yard at http://www.sewthankful.com and the price, even with shipping was very reasonable. I ordered five yards at $2.89 each and the shipping was only $3.99.

I had also purchased the Pellon EZ Steam fusible at JoAnns and it was disgusting. I bought several packages (when notions were 1/2 price) thinking it would be similar to SAS, but it wasn't even close. It is supposed to be machine friendly, but my needle gunked up with ever stitch. I wanted to trace my design on the cover paper, but the paper was so slick not even a Sharpie would work. I returned all of it and did buy Wonder Under, which was better.

However, I still recommend the Fusi-Bond over the Wonder Under and I will be using it on my BOM since there is no SAS II left in the world.

Just for your information, Pellon has a problem with their Pellon Lite EZ-Steam II fusible web. I called the 800 number to complain & they are sending me Wonder Under to replace what I bought. They know it is "defective" so I would suggest you give them a call. Love the Ricky Tims stable stuff. It tears away easy or can just be left in.

When I've done a buttonhole stitch without stabilizer, the fabric gets scrunched up. The next time I will definitely practice first and try what Michelle suggests and practice with a stablilizer. I get different outcomes with different machines too.

You're welcome Pam. I leave 1/4" of fusible following the drawn line of the shape. If it's a small piece like a leaf or circle, I cut so there is about 1/8" of fusible left. I call this the 'donut' method. LOL It works great and if the cut out scrap is large enough, it goes into the bag for next time for other fusible shapes to be cut from!

Try it you'll love it!

Michelle, what a great idea to cut out the centre of the fusible to make it softer. Thank you.

I have done quite a bit of fusible applique finished with single buttonhole stitching and have never used a stabilizer on the back. I find the stitching looks great if I loosen the top tension a bit down to about a 2-3, and use thin thread in the bobbin, it lays flat just fine. For a traditional look I like Aurifil 50 wt cotton or DMC 50 wt cotton on top, for modern I like Superior Rainbows Variagated 40 wt. on top. I use Aurifil 50wt cotton in the bobbin or So Fine 50wt poly.

I usually use Heat N Bond Lite for my fusible and cut out the middles of all the pieces so it is only like a 'donut' of fusible on the the edges - this keeps the appliques softer.

I've had good results using coffee filters (unused!) as a stabilizer. Its easy to tear off.

Thanks, Annis...I'll see if I can get that accomplished !

idaho wrote:
I use Adobe Photoshop Elements (the version I now have is 11). Go to Photo Editor. Open the PDF document. Choose the page you want to reduce by left clicking on it. Change the Image size on the right to the desired Width (divide by 2 to get 1/2 width). The Height will change automatically if Constrain Proportions is checked. Click OK. The page will open in reduced size. Click on Image - Resize - Canvas Size. Change width to 8 1/2 and height to 11 (the size paper you will be printing on). Click OK. Choose View: Fit on screen to see full page. Choose File: Save as (I use the default name), and Format: Photoshop PDF. Save in a folder where you will be able to find it. Close Photoshop. Open the PDF file and print as usual.

Thanks so much for all the advice. I got out my package of Ricky Tims Stable Stuff and lo and behold, I do have enough for the project, so I am home free. I did another block today and still having trouble with the fusible, but learning all the time.

Nancy

As long as the project will get washed, I starch the background heavily. No worry with stitches causing a tunnel. No paper to pull off.

Annis...I use Golden Threads paper, too...often using scraps from other projects so as not to waste a lot !
I found that different machines need various weights of stabilizer as well as different fabrics need different
weights....test, test, test ! Question...Annis... re:BOM... do you have a favorite method for reducing
the size of these blocks ? :

I use Golden Threads Quilting Paper. It tears away easily. If any of the paper gets stuck in the stitches, use tweezers to remove it.