Message Boards

I am trying to applique the letter "E" onto fabric for a postcard. I want it to be outlined in a stemstitch - 1) for looks 2) because I thought it would help it stay on the background better.
The letter is only about 3" high - it's small and delicate. I used an adhesive on the letter (steam-a-seam?), but I want to tack it down somehow (thus the idea to embroider around it).
But, I barely take a stitch into the letter and the fabric frays - you can see it in the picture. Should I not be using this approach?
If I use an outline stitch around the letter (without taking a small bite out of the "E") that defeats the purpose of making sure it stays on the background and doesn't peel up.
I can't use a buttonhole or satin stitch because the letter is so small.
Like I said, this is for a postcard swap - maybe I shouldn't even worry about the letter peeling since it's for decorative use only......?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RockinBobbin,

You might try Fray Check. Put a couple of drops on a hard surface - I use a coin like a quarter. Use the head of a pin to pick up a little Fray Check and apply it to the fabric edge. This may slow down your stitching since it stiffens the fabric.

What are you using for thread. If you are using pearl cotton, you might find 2 strands of floss to be gentler on the fabric and you might be able to use a smaller needle.

Try using Fray Stop on the edge of the fabric. I use it for cross-stitch and it works really well. Dries clear and soft and I am sure you will be able to stitch the edge after the Fray Stop dries.
Good Luck,
amiko

Maybe u could use some regular sewing thread to hold down your letter & then use the floss/stem stitch just outside the fabric

Try doing the stitch by going down on the letter and up just to the side of the letter. Maybe you should try this on a scrap to see if it helps. Does my explanation make sense?

I think part of the problem is the fabric. It looks like a synthetic, maybe a gaberdine, which does ravel easily.

Unless something like the Fray Check is used, or unless you use a different kind of fabric, I think the raveling and fraying will continue to be a problem.

If you have a choice of fabric, you could use felt, which I've used for embroidering.

The E design is quite pretty, though; I like the style of curves.

I like Mary Lou's approach, just stitch to the outside of the letter and not include the letter. If it is sticking tight enough and just for decorative purposes on a postcard I don't think it will be pulling up...
Let us see the outcome!
Rondi

Thanks for all of the suggestions.
I ended up using fray check, but will explore other tips as I make more postcards.
I love how it turned out, except that to fuse it to the peltex I smashed it with my iron...wasn't really thinking about that; it flattened my stitches, but it looks alright anyhow.
It's a valentine theme......

That is really cool, Rockin

It looks great! Sometimes it helps to lay down a thick towel, put your pc face down on the towel and iron from the back

Really pretty!