Question on fusibles
 

Hi everyone --

I am playing around with a light Steam A Seam fusible and wondering how permanent is permanent? Do the pieces HAVE to be stitched down in the end? It doesn't say anything about the fusible stuff washing out if this large wall hanging ever gets washed.

What have you experienced if you have ever used this fusible?

Thanks, Trish

do you have any directions that came with your fusible. you should. I always read them because i can't remember what requires what. I have some steam a seam but haven't used it myself.

I have used it quite a bit. I find it best to stitch on a quilt that will get used, tossed around, and washed, but not a wall hanging or the like. Make sure it is fused well-especially around the edges. I haven't had any problems on the items I used it on, but I tend to stitch (usually a satin stitch or tight zig-zag) because I like the look of the finished edges.
Also, I never use fabric softener on fabric I will fuse.

The "light" fusibles usually have to be stitched down if you plan to wash the article.

If mine is used in a quilt I always stitch it down. I'm working on one now and since I move the quilt around so much when quilting it on my home machine, the "fusing" loses it's function so my pieces are coming apart. (I'll be so glad when this one is finished!)

fusables like steam a seam lite & heat n bond lite need to be stitched down if used on an item that will be laundered- you do not necessarily need to stitch them if used on an item that will never be washed- but i have found that if there is high humidity items can begin to lift off over time- so i do recommend to always stitch down after fusing- the fusable is simply a tool to hold pieces in place so it is easier to stitch them. an iterfacing underneith is also often helpful when stitching down fused applique pieces- it helps keep your blocks from puckering while you stitch them down.

I use steam a seam alot. I love to do applique, with button hole stitch around the pieces. A couple of things I learned was 1. use a dry iron and 2. dont starch the fabric

Thank you for the replies. I kind of had the feeling that I still had to stitch them all down.