Quick Tip: Getting "That WSS" OFF

So, have you tried a layer of wss on your design before stitching our the final satin stitches?

Did you like it?

And how about removing that top layer of wss?

Yes, that can be a bit of a pain. If the item you made is for yourself, you can easily wash away the wss.

But, if you made the item for someone else, you may be thinking of skipping the final soak with this little tip.

 Here's an item I made the other night using my "Give Thanks Cross" design.

With a lot of little spots for the wss to get stuck.

And you probably have several items in your home that would make peeling off the remaining wss go very quickly. 

I ended up using an eraser the other night because my favorite tool went missing (not that work area is ever messy). I used a regular green eraser but thought that maybe I should have grabbed the white one after a few strokes. Either way, the rubber easily grabs/pulls at the wss making your job a breeze.

(I will note that my favorite is tool is actually for office assistants: A Rubber Finger Tip! Google it. They are cheap and work well :)

Now, after seeing that BOX of rubber finger tips, you'd think I would have been able to find ONE!

Quick Tip: That WSS

WSS.

When you starting to applique, did you think there would be sooooo much extra stuff you would have to buy to have that "perfect" applique?

Multiple stabilizers, silicone spray, Heat N Bond, comfort cover, WSS.

It's a mass conspiracy to fuel the need to outdo the next. And to take a little bit more of our hard earned $$.

Or maybe I just didn't do my research.

WSS is short for Water Soluble Stabilizer. It comes in different weights. If you are going to make a patch, you need to use something heavy that will hold all of your stitching. Don't worry, the WS means it will wash away!

If you want your stitches to stay on top of your designs (either when using fleece, minky, and stitching on terrycloth or onesies) you can use a lighter weight.

I like to apply mine right before my final stitchout.

Either spray adhesive or pin in place.

And stitch!

Getting that rouched look.

Texture is good.

I love to add ribbon or frayed layers to my designs. They give it that "something different" look.

Recently though, I took a look at my ribbon and decided that I didn't want to buy any more. Does anyone else have too much stuff?

So, I decided to make an applique a little differently. I pleated the fabric.

Crazy huh?

I wasn't sure if I wanted to pleat or gather. I went for pleated as I like clean lines. I also found that tape held everything down very nicely (just make sure it is out of stitching range - you don't want to gum up your needle).

After my layering was completed, I added a water soluble stabilizer (wss) to the top so my foot wouldn't get caught on anything as I stitched out the tackdown stitch. 

Time to trim! Go slowly, cutting folded fabric can be a little tricky.

Lastly, before the final stitchout I added one more layer of wss just to make sure nothing would get caught and to give all of my stitches a clean even look.

Add a few bows and look: texture and volume all with clean lines in an applique!

For all of my designs, instructions are included. For this one, picture instructions are included too!

Happy stitching!

November Freebie is up!

Select Harvest Cross on the left hand side of the page to download. Sorry, but this one comes in only 5x7 and 6x10!