I do a log of applique and some time ago (6 months?) I bought a whole bolt of Heat N Bond Lite. On my last two projects, I've noticed that the edges of the appliques are peeling up before I can stitch them down. Is this a problem from using starch? Or is it a problem with the aging of the Heat N Bond? Something else? I would appreciate your input.

Sometimes overheating the product while ironing it on can cause it to not "stick" properly.

Don't know about the starch, but have not had any problem with mine coming up, so it's possible it could be possible overheating.

Cheryl

I wonder if that's what I did. I stuck it extra long thinking that would help. The last time I used it I noticed some of the edges not sticking and so this time, I heated it REALLY well. Maybe I shot myself in the foot.

I think the starch is your problem.

I have occasionally had the same problem with starched fabric. Now I iron on the applique and then starch the backing :wink:

I use heat and bond lite ... ALOT . I purchase by the bolt . A couple of notes on Heat and Bind lite. Yes starch affects the ability to bond to the fabric, do not starch if you want the best possible adhesion. If you over heat the fabrics it will just absorb without bonding into the fabric. When making the applique put the heat and bond on with the iron on ployester. you will know you did not over heat if it has a somewhat milky color. When you put it on the fabric use a slightly higher temp than the poly ester, not cotton.
I have used the higher temps but only for a very few seconds.
Do let the heat and bond set , in other words , let it cool to room temp before sewing. The higher the temp of the iron and the longer you use the iron on the spot the worse the adhesion will be.
One additional note do not use it on most batiks ... it stains the fabric( permanetly) . There is some kind of reaction between the chemical residue in some of the batiks and the heat and bond. Test first !! It will show up when the item is sewn on and you are doing a final press at the cotton setting. I found out the hard way. Other brands do not have this issue with batiks. I keep Wonder under and Steam a Seam for my batiks and never had an issue.

Another tip, if it's lifting it may have dried out. I stuck the whole roll in the deep freeze & have had no problem since, I presume the moisture helped to renew it.

Wow, what great information. Thanks for the ideas.

Thanks for the tips!

Good info. Doesn't seem that anyone thinks it's aging badly, and so that's good news. The starch is probably part of the problem, but I do think I probably used too much heat. I'll go easier next time around. Thanks for all your good advice.

Good tips here from the manufacturers
http://www.thermowebonline.com/conte...k=86489&t=Tips

Where do you buy it by the bolt. I can only get 5 yards at Joanns and it is $11.99. I use a lot of it. I absolutely love applique.

I bought it online. I can't remember what I paid for it, but it was a LOT cheaper than what I pay at Joann. Fair warning, tho . . . A bolt will probably last me the rest of my life!

I have looked numerous places on line and can't seem to locate it. A huge bolt would not last me a lifetime. I do a lot of applique. I have gone threw 15 yards this past week. I am working on 3 applique quilts. Two of them are fatcat patterns. I love her patterns.

the fusables do not adhere very well if there is any chemicals on your fabrics...this would include starch or sizing...when using fusables for the best turn out your fabrics should be pre-washed without fabric softener added. the fusable will add plenty of (crisp-stiffness) no starch is needed

Try this. I did a search for thermoweb heat n bold bolt

http://www.createforless.com/Therm+O.../pid33751.aspx

Thank you. Will try there.

I get my bolts of Heat and bond lite at Jo'ann. I use a coupon or wait for interfacing to be 50% off. They have it behind the cutting counter at my JoAnn's. You can't get the heavy heat and bond by the bolt , but the lite is still available by the bolt. If yours does not have it have them order it for you ... you can still get the sale price or use a coupon on an order.

Thank you. I have a 50% off coupon I can use now.

you can buy by the bolt from www.stitchintheditch.com
They will order anything that is not on their website especially for you. We all use heatnbond lite with the Accuquilt GO! applique dies and the Sizzix applique dies, my friends and I have both these fabric cutters and use a great deal of this fusible.

Help. I have the McKenna Ryan Petals of my heart pre-cut and pre web fused with Heat and Bond Lite. Problem is that all of the little pieces are coming up before I have had a chance to fuse on the fabric. You are supposed to be able to use the pressing sheet, but it is not working with this product. Suggestions?

Happy quilting!

Beth Ann

Have you tried Bosal #345? I used it on the weekend and it is so much lighter then heat & bond. It didn't give tha tfabric that stiffness that normally comes from using a fusible.

This tutorial may help: http://appliquecafeblog.com/the-secr...tter-applique/

She stitches the outline of her shape down with a straight stitch and then cuts away the excess with very sharp scissors. That should help with your peeling issue.

I found out the hard way, also. My "Bear for Bear" wall hanging was a challenger! Batik did not fuse well. I had to spot glue around before stitching. Did not know then if it was fusible or the fabric. Thanks for extra info!

As I said about my mess..............Elmer's school glue. Stick or liquid.

That is interesting, Batik is woven tighter so it is supposed to fuse better.

Did you love using Steam-a-Seam 2? Warm Company will be releasing the New & Improved Steam-a-Seam product line - same great product with new release paper. Like the Warm Company on Facebook and complete the entry form to win a 12", 18" or 24" by 25 yd bolt of New Lite Steam-A-Seam 2! It's the Steam-A-Seam Give-A-Way contest!

Be the first to try! Easy to use~ Steam-a-Seam will not peel or fray edges and won't ever gum up your needle!

Hm, very interesting discussion. I have used tons of Heat n' Bond. Never once did I have an issue- until now. I am working on a quilt for someone who does not prewash her fabric. I always prewash, nothing goes into the studio until it's been washed and machined dried. Yes, you don't get that initial crisp, fresh look but nor do I have to worry about bleeding of colors.

Not only is the fabric not prewashed, it's batik. Yikes!!! Now I'm running scared. I have over 70 hours in this project and I haven't even started sewing down any of the applique yet. I sure hope there is no staining. I haven't noticed any. Now I'm afraid to go look.

best,
d

Regarding the 'stiffness' issue. Do you use the 'donut method' = removing all of the inside of your Heat n' Bond piece so that you have a 1/4" or thinner outline of the shape? You'll never have that problem again.

best,
d

Thanks for sharing all the information about heat and bond - the things I learn from this board!!

if you pre wash fabric, don't use softner.

This is a very interesting discussion as I am attempting to challenge myself with applique. I am headed to Fb to like the warm and natural page. Thanks!!

It could be the age of the heat and bond. I keep mine stored in a plastic bag sealed with a twistie. I have the end of a bold that I bought 10 years ago that I am using up now, and don't have any problems with the edge adhesion. I don't use starch though, so maybe that is making a difference too.

Like this tip. Thanks!

Heat n bond lite is very temperamental. Since you said you held the iron on it extra long, I would suspect that is your problem. In appliqué classes at the LQS,we are always reminded to not press any longer than 2-3 seconds. I pressed longer once and it would not stick at all...had to cut a new piece of fabric to appliqué. Love that product, tho, so I am very mindful of the seconds when I am pressing. I don't believe starch has anything to do with your problem...I always starch my pieces.