We’ve been working on a secret project for a little while and I’m so glad to introduce you to it today! Quiltmaker’s new applique sheets completely eliminate the need to trace and cut your applique designs, plus they dispense the confusion sometimes caused by reversing designs for fusible.
The first set of designs that will be available on QuiltandSewShop.com as Self-Cutting Applique Sheets™ are the flowers from Spring Bouquet in our May/June ’11 issue. Select your style: fusible (exact size) or turned-edge (with 3/16″ added to the design). Next up will be a set of Self-Cutting Applique Sheets™ with all of the designs in 100 Blocks Volume 3 (on sale May 10).
- Simply iron the design to the right side of the fabric (fusible webbing should be applied to the wrong side of the fabric first for fusible applique)
- Let the fabric sit for 6-8 hours
- Gently punch out the applique shapes
It couldn’t be simpler! Each applique sheet can be ironed up to 10 times, which makes it very economical too.
How does it work? We worked with a chemical printing company that created a specially-formulated acid ink that essentially eats through the fabric at the point of application. The acid ink transfers with heat, and then over time creates a perforation in the fabric along the lines where it’s adhered to the surface. Be sure not to layer fabrics after ironing the design to it—the acid ink can eat through more than one layer of fabric. If the shapes don’t punch out easily, let the fabric sit longer. There is only .007% acid in the ink, so it’s perfectly safe for most people. (Although if you have sensitive skin, you may wish to use protective gloves when handling.)
Purchase Self-Cutting Applique Sheets™ today!
Tell me in the comments what you think and let me know if there are other quilting products you’d like to see Quiltmaker develop. Be sure to tell all your quilty friends—and have a really fun day.
[Update: Be sure to check out these other fun quilty products today: the RoDazzler from Keepsake Quilting and the iSO from Quilter's Warehouse.]
Well, how cool is that. I need to get some of those!
So first I was a little creeped out that ACID was going to eat through my fabric (and who knows what else). But I thought I’d investigate further…
Yes, Katie, we have had trouble finding the right surface to leave the fabric sitting on while the acid ink works. Mirrors seem to do well
Please tell me this is an April Fool’s joke. How would you stop the acid from cutting the body of the applique after you have turned that edge under and appliqued it down?
This is better than the “Easter bunny in the front yard” or “Aunt June is out back on the deck!)
Sounds too good to be true….lol
Given that today is April 1 ….
Leslie–our chemical printing company (who wish to remain anonymous) assures us that their dilution of acid in the ink will stop perforating after 10 hours, so there should not be any longterm affects after appliqueing.
Good one!!!
I think June must stay up nights dreaming up these AF products!
Think of all the other uses! Iron one to your head for a fabulous reverse-applique effect when you remove the applique shape and your hair along with it. Daisies behind both ears!
Very interesting.
I have to say, this is my first big laugh of the day! Thank you!
Great AF product, even better than last year’s.
Nice! I think I might have to make an applique of that cap
I wish I had a job that included dreaming up April Fool’s jokes!
June doesn’t have to stay up nights to dream up these products, it comes naturally. Everyone who reads this blog or subscribes to Quiltmaker Magazine benefits from her (and the rest of the QM team’s) creativity. Thanks ladies, and have a wonderful Spring!
I had to come back and see what everyone else was saying and love the RoDazzled cutter. It just might work…
I must admit that you had me going for a while there.
I wasn’t quite sure whether this was for real or not. Thanks for the laugh.