Fusible Fleece and Bow Tucks
 

I've been making Bow Tucks bags and have been having problems getting the fusible fleece to adhere to the fabric. My poor old iron doesn't steam anymore, so have even tried lightly spraying water onto the fabric to mimic the action of steam. Yesterday, while fusing the fabric, either the fabric shrank, or the fusible....but it pulled up almost a half inch! But it did fuse. What am I doing wrong? Will the sizing in the fabric affect the fusibility? I've never prewashed the fabrics - didn't think it was necessary for a bag that most likely wouldn't ever be washed. Can I use the regular fleece (not fusible) and quilt close enough to achieve the same results? I need help.....my family loves these bags and I can't make them fast enough! Thanks in advance for all your help (I know someone out there has the right answers).

Rose

I had the same problem and my iron is brand new...I was thinking of just using non fusible for my next one and back it with muslin. The other problem I had was sewing directly to the batting..really got caught up in my needle and foot..I think the muslin will help that too..or a better fusible..The one I used was June taylor..the only one available at the store I was in.I also never prewash, but do not think that is the problem. I will be watching with interest, as I have many requests to make these bags too

if you read the directions on MOST fusibles, you have to wash the fabric first!

After reading your reply, I went back and looked at the directions again. Nowhere does it say anything about washing the fabrics first. That indeed may be the problem, but if it is, it would be nice for them to tell me to wash first!

Mine didn't say prewash either..But I really think a fusible fleece will work much better than fusible batting as far as running it thru the machine.

I use 987F and haven't had a problem with it. I usually use a wool or cotton setting. Some things say press on both sides. I press the fabric onto it first and then turn it over and use a pressing cloth to press the other side.

Prewashing fabrics will help fusibles adhere. Also- read the fusible directions carefully. Some work with steam, others require a dry iron with no water even in the tank.

Don't add any fabric softner to your washer or dryer.

and if you wash, don't add fabric softeners to the fabric. good luck.

It seems to me when I did mine I didn't use the steam setting on the iron, but instead pressed overtop a damp clean washcloth. I think I had to hold the iron on each spot longer than directed, too. Before moving to the next section to steam, I also held the hot dry iron ontop (with the damp washcloth removed) to "dry" that section before I moved the fabric. That seemed to help mine to adhere.

I make many bags, bow tucks included and rarely have a problem with the fusible fleece. I prefer Pellon heavy weight for my bags. I did get some where the fleece and glue were "Old" and it just would not stick, I wound up treating that differently like a regular batting. I do not IRON, the fabric to the fleece.. I make sure have my steam rollng and press down with the iron, hold for a few seconds, lift the iron up to another position, etc.. after all has been done this way I will make a smoothing ironing run across the fabric. I have had cheaper grade of fabric from Walmart and JoAnn's shrink on me. Normally I don't wash because I like the crisper look, but on fabric from those sources I do make a scrap test first.....

I never use steam when I use fusible fleece!