Thanks for all your input, really appreciate it. I did wash all the ties as I bought them at thrift stores and took them apart after washing. Removed the inner lining, opened the tie up completely, and then ironed on fusible. I probably should have used the fusible interfacing but didn't have any. Maybe on the next one I will fold them back into the original shape and give it a try. I finished the Christmas tie quilt yesterday, but can't get it reduced enough to post on the QB . Will give another try later.