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Question of the Week

Question for the week of June 3, 2001:

Our question this week comes from Donna Z

Is it easier to use a hoop to keep the fabric from puckering/shifting when appliquing?

Melodie :
I prefer a press on stabilizer, sometimes 2 layers. Tear away is my personal favorite.

PattytheFox :
When appliquing or quilting, I never use a hoop. I just lay it out flat, carefully roll the ends under on opposite ends, pin each end shut with large safety pins, and leave just enough area to hand or maching applique. Then unroll and work one half at a time, etc. I've done king-size quilts and baby quilts this way with no problems or tucks in the back. Just be sure to use alot of pins to keep secure (about every hands width).

Jean Taft :
I find a hoop ridged and cumbersome andmake the piece bigger than I want to handle. I do roll up the sides and hold with my left hand, or pin the roll up to avoid 'scrunching up' the extra. I think a piece needs a little flexability to be able to make smaller stitches and move around small areas.

Karole :
Donna, I am working on a dog quilt for my daughter. It is a free pattern. I appliqued the dogs right onto the 12" square muslin without a hoop and did fine. However, without knowing how large or small your project is, it's hard to say...

Paula :
I never use a hoop. I use Roxanne's Glue Baste it, or tiny applique pins if the piece is small, and needle turn. I like being able to roll the piece up in my hand so I can work right at the edge I'm trying to applique.

Vera :
I have never used a hoop for applique nor have I ever seem a experienced teacher use on or suggest to use on.
Love to appique and I am going to try it. with so many saying they do.

Barb :
Hi I never use a hoop when appliquing. But I do use Sulky Temporary Spray Adhesive on the middle of the appliques to keep the fabric from shifting.

Hope this helps.

LaRae :
I never use a hoop. I siply pin and needle turn. No problems and I have been doing this for years.

Pam Melcher :
Oh Yes! If I am not using a stabilizer I must use a hoop. Good Luck!

Betty Nagyhazi from Hungary :
I guess it is although I have never tried a hoop. When quilting I try to keep the fabric tighten even on my knees.

Elena :
Yes. Oh Yes. I don't think I could hand applique without a hoop.

Pat :
I find that if I baste the pieces to the background really well I don't have any trouble with puckering or distortion. If I'm in too much of a hurry to baste adequately I do use a hoop. I pad the edges of the hoop with muslin so that it doesn't leave an impression on my fabric. Good Luck:)

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