I've been using Pellon, bought from the bolt at JoAnns. I just bought "Stained Glass Quilts" and they recommend Steam A Seam 2. It's available at JoAnns online, I don't know if it is in the store.

I didn't care much for the Pellon, had a heck of a time trying to get the backing off.

Have you used either? Is there a better product?

btw the book "Stained Glass Quilts" sure went down in price. You can buy it at half.com or Amazon for $1.80

I use it a lot. It isn't heavy and is easy to work with. I I can even reposition it if I don't heavily iron it down.

ali

I have used Steam-A-Seam 2 quite a bit, but like the "Lite" version for bed quilts, or quilts with more layering of the applique. You can buy it off a roll by the yard (I bought the whole box because I do allot!), but you can also buy it in a package with sheets if you don't have tons to applique. I don't throw my scraps of it away, either - I usually can get small pieces for flowers, etc from the scraps. Follow the directions carefully-and I always still finish off the edges either with a blanket stitch or sometimes a machine satin stitch, depending on the style of quilt. Once, I make a wall quilt and didn't finish off the edges and a few pieces started to life at the edges when I hand-quilted it.

Funny you should ask, because I just bought some at JoAnn's (instore). I like the way it works.

I use the Steam a Seam lite too, though I still think it adds too much stiffness to the final applique. Even using the windowing technique. I'm trying Misty Fuse next as I've heard wonderful things about it. It's much more expensive though:< and only found at LQS online http://www.Mistyfuse.com/ also I'm going to give softfuse a try http://www.shadestextiles.com/produc.../softfuse.html

Both of these products are supposed to give a better feeling final product than Heat and Bond or Steam a Seam. But, the cost is something to consider!

I only use Steam A Seam2

i've tried it once and won't use it again its too heavy. i prefer a lighter weight fusible

Since it is heavy, is it easier to peel off?

try the steam a seam light or the heat n bond light; I just did an applique with both and they work great; here you can buy both at Joanns

They are both easy to pull off the steam-a-seam and steam-a-seam lite. I like the light. haven't used anything else so have nothing to compare it to

I use it because it is repositionable. I am trying some spray on quilting baste now to see if it works as good.

Have you tried scoring the back of the fusible paper with a pin, tug gently and then peel the paper off? I don't like to score close to the edge, as it can fray the side of the applique :D:D:D

I use a plain ol' kids glue stick. Always thought that fusible stuff was so expensive and I didn't like the stiffness.

Cut out your piece that you need to attach. Carry your glue stick around in your pocket for a while, works much better and wont stretch fabric when it worm and goes on easily. I just give the piece a little dab or little swipe of the glue stick and attach it to where I want it. Apply a little bit of pressuer an you are good to go! You can pick them up and reposition them for a good hour after being put down. Even when dry you can tug them off by the fabric may stretch out of shape.

I saw,ah, what's her name, Bonesteale(?) using them on an episode of her show on PBS. Once it dries, it doesn't gum up your needle either. Washing will remove it. It's all I use anymore.

I used Pellon and bought the Steam A Seam 2, but I have not used.
It is true that the fuse gives rigidity to the parts and makes your application with hand-scalloped much it costs. Even I did not dare to quilting that piece, because almost certainly could not do it manually.
I would like to find something less rigid, with some other element.

The glue stick doesn't keep the fabric from raveling at the edges though. Fusibles help keep the edges from fraying. I do use the glue stick to help position fabric for paper piecing.
:thumbup:

I use the Pellon fusible web lightweight, and buy it from the bolt. I like it a lot.

I have all three of the major manufactures Fusibles in various weights..... because each has their own positives and negatives. I really would suggest get a small piece and try it for your intented purpose.

I tried that as well as someone's idea to score from the middle of the applique and work out. This stuff just seemed thin and hard to deal with. Thanks!

I love it. If it is too stiff for you before you bond it to your fabric cut out the middle leaving about 1/4" to 3/8" around the outer edge and then bond. It leaves the middle nice and soft and just bonds on the edges. Clear as mud?

I've tried that with this product and still find it too stiff.

I love it and i do a lot of applique but use the steam a seam light