donna13350

I have made many, many quilts, but always avoided fusible web applique because I thought it couldn't be used and washed like a regular quilt. Now my quilt shop says I can! I always thought the fabric would eventually fray and peel??? What do you all think?

omaluvs2quilt

I think it depends on what you use. Ive only tried a couple of them, light steam a seam 2 & heat n bond light, then blanket stitched the edges. I prefer the steam a seam, but am going to try the misty fuse next for softness. So far the first quilt I used it on was for a 7 yr old boy and 4 years later it still looks awesome!

donna13350

Wow..that is a glowing endorsement! I was always so afraid of fused quilts! New world for me ! LOL

ckcowl

i do fusible applique all the time- have been for years- all of my quilts are washed- sometimes often- you need to purchase the lite fusibles that are 'sew-able' and stitch your edges--- then when the quilt is washed the fusible washes away- so you do not have stiff areas of your quilt- ...there are heavy weight-no sew fusibles on the market- these do not need to be sewn- and remain stiff/hard for ever- often used in craft projects or wall hangings not meant to be laundered- I've used heat n bond lite (my favorite) , steam a seam lite and wonder under from pellon. I generally use a blanket stitch or small zigzag to stitch my appliques- once In a while a straight stitch- but that's more work- I have machine appliqued quilts out there made for kids, that have been used/abused/ laundered often for 10+ years- none have fallen apart. I love that the fusible (like elmers glue too) wash away- leaving a nice soft quilt behind

Tartan

It depends on your appliqué and how you finished the edge. If it is batiks and the edges are raw edge appliqué with buttonhole stitching then there will be slight fraying after repeated washing. If it regular cotton fabric with satin stitch over the edge, then it stays nice for a long time. If it is raw edge appliqué with cotton fabric you will get a little roughness to the edge with repeated washing. If the fraying compliments the appliqué it sometimes adds to the design.

Jackie Spencer

I use alot of steam a seam ll and do alot of fusible applique. I use embroidery floss and hand stitch with a buttonhole stitch around all the pieces. Ahter several washings they are still beautiful!!

narnianquilter

If you look at my avatar ALL of the flowers, vines, the sun and it's rays are all fused on and then hand blanket- stitched around each. It is for my firstborn and including toddler wear and tear, being puked and pooped on, and general use it hasn't frayed at all! That was my first quilt and going forward from that I found that the satin stitch on my machine worked just as well- and was a whole lot faster!

mighty

I have never had any problems with washing.

Lori S

It depends on the product you used. Some are only intended to e used a temporary bond till sewn, others are intended to be a permanent bond and no sewing required. Some permanent fusibles you can not sew through.... so read your package instructions. When in doubt make a small sample wash it and dry it a few times. Its been my experience the dryer is the real test as it heats to fusible to the "melting point" , and appliques can start to peel and shift.

donna13350

I guess I will dive in, then! Thanks for the help everyone!