I've never had a sweatshirt with stiff fusible applique soften in the washer and dryer. That's why I chose a soft fusible for my appliqued quilt, though I echo quilted around the appliques, not through them. Do not wash the quilt until the backing and binding are on, please. Your long armer can sew through anything except Heat 'n Bond regular. Lite can be sewn through as can WonderUnder and the newer ones.