ToucanSam

How they work, what works best for what.....??? I want to understand it I need some pointers...tell me what you like to use and why...:)

I'm trying to get familiar with this stuff so that I can do some applique/etc. (been avoiding it since I started quilting in January)...just need info!


Thanks!

Pam

I like the light weight ones, I do sew through and around them.

Personally I do not care for steam a seam, it is sticky on both sides, I have dogs in the house and... sure enough, there is an impossible to remove black doog hair tha shows through! Grr, happens everytime. Steam a Seam is a good project, just not for me. I like fusable web, with no paper backing at all. Most hate it.

Before you buy a product, check it out. See if you can carefully peel the paper backing off just a tiny bit. If it is stuck so hard that you cannot remove a little, it has been my experience that it may NEVER come off, yup I have had that happen, too.

lovequilts

I love steam a seam lite. I like it for applique and then do a blanket stich around it. I also use the "freezer paper method for some larger applique pieces

virtualbernie

There are heavy weight fusibles people use for craft items--stay away from that--they make your applique pieces stiff as cardboard and never soften up! If you make a mistake and buy it you can use it for wall hangings but if you use it on a quilt it'll be like pieces of cardboard all over your quilt! I stick with the lightest weight I can possibly find expecially if you are planning to hand applique. There is also some lightweight fusible that washes out, I bought some but haven't used it yet so I can't tell you how good or bad it is.

ktbb

to follow up on Bernie's post, the really heavy ones tend to be ones that are meant for non-sewing projects. If you need to stitch thru the fusing material, be sure you have the kind for sewing. The end of the bolt or attached cover should clearly state whether it is for sewing or not.

There are some that are slightly tacky fusibles which are good for holding your fabric and fusible together until you're sure it's where you want. However, as Pam says above, you might not want it if you've got black hairy dogs or cats around since it picks up dust and lint.

Paper backed fusible is good if you want to trace designs for appliques, but as stated above, some papers peel off better than others. In some cases, if the paper doesn't peel off, it may be because you haven't left it to cool long enough, or you left it too long, you may have used an iron that was either too cool or too hot, or something else entered the equation to mess it up. Find one that fits your moods and needs and stick with it.

And no matter what weight fusible you get, if you want even less stiffness, cut out the center of the fusible piece before you adhere it to the fabric so there is only fusible around the edges...just make sure to lay the piece down really flat before you iron it.

Using a teflon pressing sheet or even old paper to protect your iron from extra glue is worth the effort or expense.

Whatever you get, mark it well so you don't get confused at home. And start with small pieces and test it.

sharon b

I am using Heat and Bond for applique right now, and I like the way it works, it is paper backed. Everyone has their preferences. Maybe go and get about 1/2 yard of each,. start with something small and see what you like best :thumbup:

I would advise staying away from the Heavy one though :wink:

amma

I use wonder under, it doesn't gum up my needle, it is inexpensive, I can draw on the paper side, and it peels off easy. :D:D:D