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-   -   Do I have to fuse fusible batting? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/do-i-have-fuse-fusible-batting-t73892.html)

janRN 11-02-2010 01:51 PM

My neighbor gave me a package of queen-sized fusible batting. I've never used this before. First off, where in the world would I iron something that size? I want to use it in a wall hanging and even that is too big for my ironing board and making sure the backing is smooth.
Can I just use it like regular batting? Can I spray baste or should I just use pins if I don't have to fuse it?
Thanks for your help!

MadQuilter 11-02-2010 02:07 PM

If you are not comfortable using it, then use what you are comfortable with. I have never used the fusible batting. Not sure I would because I don't want gunk on my batting. I put my sandwich together the old-fashioned way, with tape to hold down, and pins to secure.

littlehud 11-02-2010 03:41 PM

I would have no idea how to iron something that big.

ckcowl 11-02-2010 04:03 PM

you can easily cut it to usable sizes, use it for totes or it would work very well for your wall hanging. do not spray it with anything, you will really make a mess!
lots of people press large pieces of fabric...and battings, you have to do it in sections. i usually use the floor, i spread the batting out, smooth it nice and square, then put the top on top of it making sure everything is nice and smooth...press until i have the complete top pressed to the batting, let it cool, then turn it over, smooth it out again place the backing on, and press. i always pin or stitch baste around the edges to really hold it when quilting but not everyone finds it necessary. you can just baste and quilt and ignore it's fusability but spray basting will not work with it.

when i use my floor i make a large ironing board...i put down a couple layers of batting then a piece of muslin over it to work on. i do not press the sandwich right on the floor.

Mornigstar 11-02-2010 04:16 PM

I used the fusible for first time since the pattern for "Bow Tuck" asked. It's more expensive but I was very impressed. Like warm & natural as much. Can not do the floor
part but am able to use big tables put together at church or club.Have to iron it the same system as pins ---start in the center and work to the edge. Treat it like any batting except realize it has glue on one side. Good luck

Candace 11-02-2010 04:26 PM

You can cut it smaller. That being said, I've made several wallhangings with fusible batting and haven't been happy with it. I wouldn't buy it again. It doesn't adhere well to starched fabric and it easily comes "unfused" so I'd never attempt anything larger than a wall quilt with it.

JEM65 11-02-2010 04:54 PM

Cut it to size for your latest project. I just used it to make a 48 inch long Halloween quilt as you go table runner and it worked great. I just bought 2 more yards of it to use for some other projects including a jelly roll strip tote bag! If you can't exchange it at a store I'd cut up.

Lori S 11-02-2010 05:20 PM

I had some fusible batting .. queen size. I bought several thinking this was going to be just wonderful.... it was not. Now I use them with spray basting just like a regular batting. Just do not try to preshrink them... the dryer will fuse some parts to other random parts in the dryer... quite the mess!!

Cyn 11-02-2010 05:26 PM

I used some of this several times and did not like it. The glue clumped up and was hard to quilt thru. I used a cordless iron on the floor which was hard on my back. My batting was older so that may have been the problem. I might try newer stuff if it was given to me. I'd rather spray baste or use pinmoors.

oatw13 11-02-2010 06:02 PM

I recently used fusible batting in some place mats. It worked okay for that, but I wouldn't use it for anything much larger. I had some trouble with the backing getting small wrinkles - that was probably just me, though. They were easy enough to get out, but it doesn't stick well for very long. I prefer the spray basting method.

I would consider using this again for something small. It was quick to use.

amma 11-02-2010 07:40 PM

If it isn't adhered down and you throw it in the dryer... will it adhere in places/ways you wouldn't want it to?

Lori S 11-03-2010 06:00 AM


Originally Posted by amma
If it isn't adhered down and you throw it in the dryer... will it adhere in places/ways you wouldn't want it to?

Nope the washing takes away the ability to adhere. I have made a few quilts with the "fusible" that I ended up useing spray basting and it washed and dried just like if it was only spray basted. Just do not try to preshrink, with out much or any agitation the fusible does not completely leave the batting.

maryel 11-03-2010 06:29 AM

This sounds like it is something that I don't want to use!

Twilliebee 11-03-2010 01:54 PM

I love fusible batting and I use it for everything that I plan to machine quilt. I'd love to hear from someone who hand quilts, because I'd like to know if there's a problem.
I've never had a problem ironing it on my regular ironing board no matter how big the project. Just iron the amount that fits and move on, same as with a piece of fabric only you're ironing 3 layers.
Once it's quilted and goes through the wash it's just a lovely soft batting in cotton, polyester or cotton/poly blend. Actually the application process used for fusible batting uses less product than a home quilter would use using a spray and you don't have to worry about inhaling fusible batting.
I did some research on fusible batting and basting spray and based on the results I'll be sticking with fusible batting and staying well clear of most basting sprays.
Here's the thread if anyone is interested: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-61846-1.htm

janRN 11-03-2010 02:12 PM

Thanks for all your help. I cut the batting to fit my wall hanging and then thread basted it so it was tight. Then I felt comfortable ironing it on my ironing board. It looks fine. I'm not real adventurous when it comes to trying something new (can you tell??) so I really appreciate all your help.


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