Fusible web backing won't come off!

**Z Any Mouse** · 03-02-2012, 08:29 AM

Trying my hand at fusible applique, I've been having an awful time getting the paper off my applique pieces without shredding the fusible web with it. What am I doing wrong? I am using an applique pressing sheet, scoring the backing with a pin before trying to pick it off, and the paper back just does not want to come off. This has happened on small and large pieces, and once in a while it comes off beautifully.

I am tired of recutting all my shapes in hopes of getting a better fusible backing. Btw, I'm using Wonder Under this time. Thanks for your help!

**nativetexan** · 03-02-2012, 08:40 AM

so sorry. someone on another forum had the same trouble and thought her fusible was old.

**erstan947** · 03-02-2012, 08:50 AM

With scraps you might try a hotter iron, a colder iron, and keep the iron on the piece for a longer period of
time. Work with it until you get the right combination. So sorry you are having problems.

**Lori S** · 03-02-2012, 08:51 AM

I stick small appliques in the freezer for a few minutes. I will come off if you peel it right after you take it out of the freezer.

**Z Any Mouse** · 03-02-2012, 08:52 AM

Hmm, mine is definitely not old. Since this is my first large scale applique quilt, I bought a couple yards specifically for this project. Unless, it was gathering dust at JoAnn's before getting on the floor...

**Z Any Mouse** · 03-02-2012, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by Lori S

I stick small appliques in the freezer for a few minutes. I will come off if you peel it right after you take it out of the freezer.

Oh! I'll try that. Move over spaghetti sauce and mixed vegetable, there's quilting going on in the freezer!!

**Scissor Queen** · 03-02-2012, 09:10 AM

I usually repress when that happens and then make sure I let it sit before I try and peel it. Once in a while you just get some Wonder Under that just doesn't want to play nice. I do know the longer you let it sit after you've fused it the better it peels.

**LucyInTheSky** · 03-02-2012, 09:12 AM

When I've done mine, it works great. I use Steam a Seam 2, love it. I peel off one side of the paper on the web, put the fabric on top of the exposed web, cut the shape out, peel off the other side, place it on the background, and iron it. I've seen some things that recommend ironing after you put the fabric on the first side of the web, but I've always been concerned about it not coming off right and fusing to the paper. I use my finger nail to pick at the edge when I'm trying to remove the paper and it works great.

**ghostrider** · 03-02-2012, 10:26 AM

After fusing, let it sit until the glue has rehardened...the longer the better and at least a half hour (humidity will affect the time it takes to freely release). I leave mine alone for a couple days.

Since the web is not sticking to the fabric (and you wouldn't be shredding it otherwise), your iron is not hot enough. You want a cotton setting, dry iron for 7-10 seconds. Overfusing will melt the web into the fibers and prevent a good join to the second fabric, so more is not necessarily better.

I use Wonder Under exclusively, have never had any trouble with it, and use it for almost everything I do in the art quilt world. For the best tips you can find, see Laura Wasilowski's suggestions here:
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/p/fusing-tips.html

**Z Any Mouse** · 03-02-2012, 08:00 PM

Thank you everyone, for your suggestions! I will give them a try and see what works.

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