applique care

More information would help. I think you must mean a completed applique, not a machine embroidery design?

Can you pre-wash the applique and blanket separately to be sure they don't shrink at different rates? Are you going to sew it onto the blanket with a zig-zag (or other decorative) stitch, or is it designed to adhere using some sort of adhesive? If the latter, it probably will not stand up to repeated normal kid's-stuff washing.

All of these designs were embrodered directly onto the garment/item:

It's a purchased applique I saw at the store, not a completely machine-embroidered one.

It has a tag on it that says it doesn't shrink, but I am afraid it might curl if it is put into the clothes dryer. The company gives 3 ways to put it on: zigzag stitch, iron-on film, or fabric glue. I was thinking of using the iron-on film.

Thanks for any advice.

You might be able to get away without pre-washing, trusting that the manufacturer actually tested it for shrinkage.

For an item this likely to be laundered, I would strongly recommend zig-zag satin-stitching around the design. You might be able to match thread to the outside edges, and make it a design feature, changing needle colors where necessary. And to secure it even better, do some simple "machine quilting" stitches on the interior part of the appliqué, which will help hold it in place during washing and drying.

I would not trust either a fabric glue or iron-on film for this project, especially not on a fleece blanket, and ESPECIALLY not on a baby's item.

Beverly

Great advice! Thanks much.

Pat

You're welcome, good luck with your project.

Beverly