I'm new to quilting and I need HELP!! My instructions call for "laying the fusible webbing paper side up on the fabric. My fusible web did not come with paper. It was from a bolt at the fabric store with some plastic between it. I tried just ironing it on but it dissolved all over my iron. What should I use as paper?

Here's my best guess... your fusible actually has paper on it. Feel a piece of it. Turn it in different directions. Is one side rougher than the other? Does that rough side have a sheen to it? Is that the side you ironed on? If yes, then that shiny stuff is the fusible, the other side the paper.

To test, cut a small piece of the fusible, about a two inch square. Iron it, with shiny side down, onto a scrap piece of fabric. Now, on one corner, try separating the paper from the fabric. It can be frustrating, separating the two, so don't give up too easily. What should be left is the shiny (fusible) stuff. If you iron a piece of fabric (larger than the first one) onto to fused piece, the two pieces of fabric should stick together. Good luck!

Thanks for your help!!! I tried that last night and when I put a piece of fabric on each side it fused together so my best guess is that there is no paper. Is there anything I can substitute for the paper? I was thinking maybe everyone just knew to use a certain type of paper on it that I don't know about.

I would just go get the right kind of fusible. The paper that backs fusible isn't the same as the kinds of paper you're likely to have.

I think the only way you can use the fusible that you have is to use an applique pressing sheet. It is kind of a silicone or something and fusible web will not stick to it. I use it when using any fusible product.

Fusible webbing is sold without paper. What your directions should have told you to purchase is a paper-backed fusible such as Steam-a-Seam or Wonder Under.

What does the plastic wrapper on your fusible say in terms of brand and type?

A silicone applique pressing sheet would allow you to use the fusible webbing you have, because webbing doesn't stick to it. One of the reasons to purchase a paper-backed fusible is because the iron won't stick to the paper.

Sounds like you have Wonder Under #805. I use tons of it daily. Its very simple to use. Just lay you fabric face up on the rough side of the fusible web, iron, draw your design on it, cut it out, take a pin and drag it across the back to cut the paper and then peel the paper off.....now just press your design to your project. There are videos on Google showing you how to do this. **** A tip....freshly ironed pieces usually do not peel well, its best to do your fusible web fabric ahead of time. After it sits for a day or 2 it peels very easy. I do a ton up ahead of time. :thumbup:

She said she fused two pieces of fabric together with what she has so it doesn't have a paper backing.

to clean your iron:: warm it up and then rub used drier sheets on the sole plate, cleans off the junk, polishes your iron and makes it glide across your fabric.

To use the rest of what you have (or any paperless kind in the future), you can use a silicon pressing sheet as one poster said, or buy a roll of parchment paper in the cooking section of the grocery store (or you may have some at home). Use this parchment paper as a protective cover between your iron and the webbing and/or between your ironing board and the fabric...to catch any glue from the heated webbing. The parchment paper may adhere to the glue but it can be peeled off.

The fusible webbing that comes with paper is actually on parchment paper, tho it is a little thinner than the paper sold separately in the grocery store....and the paper is re-usable, If you want to reuse it, make sure there is no glue left sticking to the paper after a project.

I love the silicon sheets and have two or three, but they are a little expensive and the parchment paper is a lot cheaper. Even on the silicon sheets you have to make sure there is no glue bits left to mess up the next project.

Everybody makes these mistakes at some time or another...welcome to the club!

Can't she use freezer paper when she irons it, then just peel it off?

I bought a large teflon sheet that I use for a press sheet at Menards, it is like Lowe's. I paid $5 for it. The same sheet in the LQS, with pretty packaging is $12

hadn't thought to check out the hardware stores, thanks...lots cheaper!

and regarding use of freezer paper - she might be able to use it, but if the waxy surface of the freezer paper stuck to the glue, would she be able to adhere another fabric to the side that had previously been next to the freezer paper? Would the wax prevent the glue from sticking? Time for experimenting, I suppose. Since I already have the parchment and know it is intended to NOT stick...I'll probably continue to use that.

oops! Guess I read too fast :oops:

Thank you everyone for your help!! I think I'll go to a different fabric store and try to find the Steam a Seam or Wonder Under with a paper backing!!!

Wonder Under is sold on the bolt. Steam-a-Seam (which I prefer) is sold in packages of sheets. You can usually find these hanging in the notions area where the velcro, etc. is.

Steam-a-Seam is softer than Wonder Under. Also, with Steam-a-Seam, after you have fused it to your fabric and cut out your design, you can remove the paper and position it on your background like a post-it note. The positioning isn't permanent until you fuse again with your iron.

Welcome from Ireland. Very interesting topic. I have learned something new today. Thank you.

there is no wax on freezer paper, it has a plastic coating..that does not come off on your fabric, it just adheres to the fabric but can be peeled off without leaving any residue. it sounds as if you are trying to use a fusable like stitch witchery...which is great for (seamless) hems, patches ect...try finding either wonderunder or steam-a-seam, or just ask for "paper-back fusable" there are a number of different brands...then you can draw on (and iron on) the paper side and adhere the fusable side to the fabric. i have been 'playing' with freezer paper for years,, it is one of the most important 'tools' in my sewing room, it does not work to try to use it to keep the fusable off the iron, the plastic adheres to the fusable and DOES NOT COME OFF.

I wound up with an iron-on interfacing (and I TOLD the salesclerk I needed something appropriate to applique). One rough adhesive side, one fibery side that does NOT peel off (believe me, I tried!).

Thanks Pam I have lots of trouble getting the fusing off my iron as it builds up when you do alot of appique. Great tip. Now when my husband uses the iron I won't here him yelling! Thanks again. I'm going use your tip.