I am thinking of trying a spray glue to apply my applique instead of a fusible web. I think this would work exactly like the process for hooping interfacings, etc for embroidering. I am going to be machine stitching the applique and definitely do not want any of the layers in the applique to shift so I am planing on using Super 77 spray glue. I know it works on fabric, doesn't seem to gum up my needle. What experience has anyone had with spray adhesives instead of fusible webs? Is the adhesion as strong?

I think the only problem you might have is unless you statin stitch around the raw edge of the applique it may fray when laundered. That is one advantage of fusiable, at least for me.

You only need adhesion to the point of completing the applique. I think the spray would probably work fine. For some really small pieces I have used a small dab of glue rather than fusible to hold it down while I machine stitch around it.

Sounds like a fabulous idea ,although I am just now venturing into applique.

Would you use a spray like 505 or something stickier?

I never thought of doing that, but I seem to remember a Fons & Porter episode where one of their guests used spray adhesive to hold fabric in place while doing foundation piecing. As I recall (and I'm getting old so my memory isn't great!) they had a little box that they did the spraying in so it wouldn't get on everything else.

If it works well, it would be a big money saver, too.

I do plan on satin stitching all around the edges. I think I will completely stitch all the inside stitching on the different layers before I apply the applique and only stitch the outline stitch on the quilt itself. I haven't decided if I a m going to use blocks or a whole quilt approach. I thought I would use Super 77 adhesive.

you won't be happy. That glue is NOT made for fabric. It will be gummy and will turn stiff and yellow over time.
Just cut a bit of fusible and save yourself the heart ache of using a product that is not meant for this application! OR even use a washable glue stick dab in the middle.

:thumbup: :thumbup: Agree, glue stick is great idea...

I'm confused. the can definitely states it is for fabric and since it will be between layers of fabric how will a person know if it turns yellow or not? I definitely need the whole piece of applique glued down just as it would be with a fusible web.

I found some glue sticks in the scrapbook supplies. It did not say if it was water soluable, so I called the company--Scotch. I was told that ALL of their glue sticks are water soluable--good to know. Also the fusable is permanent, so when you sew around it the edges are already fused. I don't think I would be happy with spray on glue unless the edges are satin stitched. I also want the center of the applique to be flat, and it wouldn't be after the quilt is washed. I don't like the "bubble" effect.
Sue

This spray Super 77 is not water solvable, so when it is dried it will not wash out so there will not be that bubble effect. That seems a plus factor for this brand of adhesive.

I think it would be easier to use MistyFuse:
http://www.amazon.com/Mistyfuse-Mist.../dp/B000PFPSJI

Is there some reason you don't want to use a fusible web?

I use 505 or sullivans all the time.

Spraying was the first method I learned for machine applique. Thought it was really neat until I had shifting on the fabric.

Now I use paperbacked fusible or if I want to turn it, I use a very thin fusible - can't remember the name - bought it at the quilt store and still have a lot of it in a ziploc bag. Less bulk with paperbacked fusible.

If you do several layers, then trim the paperbacked fusible to where it's only about 1/4" wide around the edge of the design before you iron it down on the fabric. You can keep triming the unneeded fabric as you go.

If you are a hand quilter I would suggest using the no-name applique technique. I can't find the link right now but if someone else knows it, please post it - thanks!

Ghostrider, The reason is only that I tried both methods on a test applique and the spray adhesive seemed to be both easier and more accurate. The fusible web I was using is Pellon Wonder-Under Transfer Web and it didn't hold the fabric as firmly as I was wanting it to. I think I am accustomed to using spray adhesive because I use it so much with the hooping for embroidery, although for that I use a temporary adhesive. For my appliques, as as for many of yours I'm sure, the built up thicknesses of the layers gives a desireable 3 dimensional effect.

Have you pre washed your fabrics? I have had trouble using wonder under if my fabrics aren't washed. It won't stick to the fabric because of the chemicals used in the manufacturing of the fabric.

Auntpiggylon, Yes I had prewashed those fabrics. I was still less than thrilled with wonder under. I did use it to laminate the top fabric of 4 placemats to the bottom fabric,
but pealing the paper off without part of the adhesive coming with it was so difficult that I switched to the Super 77 spray adhesive for the next 8 placemats. It's quick and easy but has a drying time.

I use Elmer's School Glue around the edges and iron it dry. The glue stick can fray the edges as you apply it.

You can iron parchment paper to the Misty Fuse for a very light weight paper backed fusible. Light enough to quilt through.

I couldn't agree more spray makes a mess of your needle and gums up your machine and turns thing yellow ...ask me how I know , never again. :(

I've never used spray glue like 505 in fusing applique, but I have used acid-free glue sticks in pp and applique for landscape wall hangings. Acid-free glue sticks work just fine... ya know... "a little dab will do ya". You could also do the new "window" fusible method (only uses a thin piece of fusible around the perimeter, which keeps the project softly pliable).

Is this sold at Joann's Fabric or other sewing supply places so you don't have to add shipping to the cost?
GJoyce

I've purchased Mary Ellen's Best Press at Joann's but have also bought it at Kmart.

Have you considered using fusible thread instead of something like steam a seam?

As long as it's water soluble the glue will be fine. I stopping using fusible webbing cos I didn't like the stiffness it created and my quilt wasn't soft. I believe over time and washing the applique gets softer but I want my quilts to be cuddly as soon as they're finished. I just dab with glue stick to hold in place while I stitch round. I'm not a big fan of applique but I've put hearts and butterflies on baby quilts and with my grandchildren wanting their names on book bags and notebook covers it the way to go as far I'm concerned.

I went to a seminar of sorts about fusible. No name brand sponsor just facts and demos. The bottom line was use the very best fusible for the best results. I got samples of about every brand made and the best in my opinion for applique is SoftFuse Paper Backed Fusible Web. Also Beth Ferrier has a new one I haven't tried yet.

back in the days before fusibles, i used elmer's school glue to hold the patches on my husband's army fatigue uniforms. didn't take much on the back, put them in place, then pressed with heavy books on it for awhile. no fingers were abused by pins this way. once sewn in place you didn't know the glue was there, and it came out when washed and the patches were all flat. my 2 cents worth.

I watched Sharon Schamberger on utube apply school glue when attaching binding to her quilt and ironing it dry as did TXGMimi and Sharon said the glue gives body and washes completely out. I don't know if she uses it for qpplique? She didn't use any pins for the binding.

For larger appliques I use the fusibles made for doing that, but for making smaller things (like the hummingbirds and flowers in my avatar) I use glue sticks (learned about this when taking a class) -- and I don't worry about going to the edge with the glue stick, just sew very slowly, which has to be done because the pieces are so small. The concept of having stiff stuff in the quilt when it's done is awful! Also, I hate involving chemicals in my quilting... Not only do I have reactions sometimes, but I don't want to pass chemicals on to whoever gets the quilt!!!

If you are doing a wallhanging it will probably be fine but would not use on a bed quilt because it will be too stiff. Just my opinion. :wink: :D :wink:

Be very careful; not all glues even though they say for fabric and will wash out go away. My teacher showed us a couple of blocks that were ruined due to this. I use elmers school glue stick w/applique

Ok, this seems to be the experience that is being related.
ALL brands of spray adhesive
1. turn yellow with time
apparently will show through the fabric
2. are stiffer than all brands of fusible web
3. will gum up the needles on the sewing/serger machines

Does everyone agree with this?

I've never heard of the problems you say you have with Wonder-Under, for me it works perfectly every single time...and I use it a lot in many different ways. But if you don't like that brand, I would suggest maybe you should try some of the other fusibles instead. There are more and more coming out these days; thinner, stronger, easier to use. Inhaling air-borne particles of a spray adhesive just doesn't sound like something I would want to deal with.

I have used steam a seam lite and I think the other one is heat and bond lite and it isn't stiff; the only glue that I'd use is elmers because I know it'll wash out all the way

What is avatar????????

If you don't put your picture by your name, but you do put a picture of something, such as a quilt, then that quilt picture is your avatar.

:thumbup: Misty Fuse is a great product - LUV :thumbup:

The little picture of yourself, or quilt, or whatever you wish to add to your profile. look under mine - to the left of this post. It''s my Granddaughter - sort of manipulated a pic of hers in one of my art programs.

I use a tiny dab of Roxanne's Glue Baste-It...works fine for me on the smaller stuff, otherwise I'm into fusible!