Faux applique, using Silk thread as a resist

 .The term resist, to fabric dyers, indictes the substances that will prevent the purging of coloring liquids into unwanted areas of the the fabric.

One day I was machine embroidering with the fine TIRE 100 PLus silk thread and I was astonshied to discover how close together I could machine stitch that tiny silk thread into such a beautiful, compact satin stitch. It set me wondering if the silk thread could be colored with the instant set Colorhue dyes, after I had stitched the satin stitches onto the fabric. I began to experiment by coloring the stitches with the dyes utilizing a very tiny brush and much to my surprise,  I found the threads absorbing the dyes like 'a duck out of water'

Then further research lead me to explore the theory that the tight sewing machine satin stitch with the tiny silk threads could also act as a dike to prevent the dyes from areas of the fabric. In essence, I found that the thread could act as as resist when 'color embellishing' silk fabric. I titled the new dyeing process, FAUX APPLIQUE.

Of course, the fact that the Colorhue dyes do not travel as much as other dyes becomes the magic factor that allows this type of quick and easy coloring of the silk threads.

The Faux Applique technique

1. The silk fabric will machine embroidery much better if that silk is stabilized before
attaching any machine embroidery stithces. Liquid fabric stabilizer, ( a product Perfect Sew is recommeded), can eaily be applied to the silks. And when the stabilizer is dry, it will sufficiently stiffen and prepare the silks for the surface embroidery.

2. Begin by traced a simple flower design onto the stabilized silk. After that was completed , attached a piece of the new Hobbs Silk Batting to the underside of the fabric piece with the design attached. Machine or hand baste the piece with large stitches from corner to corner, forming a large X. (This easy basting will readily attach the silk batting to the underside of the fabric.)

3. The next step is to stitch a very tight, medium length satin stitch around the entire design area. Now the basting stitches can be removed because the two fabric layers had been secured by the satin stitching.

4. The final process is to begin silk painting in the areas enclosed by the satin stitches with a small artist paint brushs, utilizing the colors you desire. Interestingly, the dye spreads to the tight satin stitches and then the liquoids deplete themselves in the line of satin stitches. Thus leaving the fabric space beyond the stitching, free of dye.

5. This type of dye or paint application will take some practice but allows easy coloring of the areas you desire, resembling a type of machine applique. This exercise has allowed you to define a design, color the designs and quilt the llower batting, all at the same time.

6. The third layer can also then be added, if desired. Of course, the same TIRE100 Plus siilk thread then can also be utilized to do any quilting stitches that you may desire, to complete a quilted square.

7. Silk bias can be also be dyed to match the colors applied to the applique and then easily used to bind the edges of the quilt square. ( See the Illustration above for an example of Faux Applique and the process just described)

To order the TIRE 100 plus silk thread click here

To order the COLORHUE Sampler click here

To order order the Silk Bias click here

To order Perfect Sew, liquid stabilizer, click here

Return to New Developments

Maggie Backman © 2000-2008 Things Japanese
9805 NE 116 St, PMB 7160
Kirkland, WA 98034-4248
Phone 425-821-2287 - Fax 425-821-3554

Built by i-Commerce Solutions