I have done very little work with fusibles and just this week used Wonder Under for the first time. I've used a soft fuse type product before and it was very easy to work with but didn't hold the edges of the fabric as much as I would have liked. There was still more fraying than I cared for. So for my current project I opted for Wonder Under. I followed the directions which are simple enough, 5-8 seconds with the iron on the wrong side of the fabric, peel paper and fuse to other fabric. The problem was peeling the paper off. When I first did all my fusing the 5-8 seconds obviously wasn't enough because when I tried to peel the paper the fusible came off with it instead of sticking to the fabric. I put the iron to it for about 10 more seconds and that made the fusible stick to the fabric but it was a battle to get the paper peeled back. I really had to mangle the corner to get the paper started peeling. The corners didn't matter for this project but I can't imagine if the whole shape was something I was going to use and one part was all picked at where I had to peel back the paper.

Is this typical with a fusible, did I get a bad batch or was it operator error?

I find if I scratch/score the paper then peel it from the middle out it's easier

I've never had a problem with that product. I usually use a pin to score a line on the Wonder Under then use that as a starting point to peel it off. I don't start on an edge. Good luck.

I've always used wonder-under. and last time I used itfound it a bit difficult to pull off when I wanted it to, and it came off the paper before I wanted it too - or when trying to peel it off the paper not at all... last time I went to buy some they didnt have any, so I bought heat and bond lite. It's much easier to peel off, and doesn't release from the paper too soon, but has a much stiffer finish. I'm undecided which one I prefer.

I'd hate for you to throw out all your fusible. Can you try this? Peel the paper off your fusible before you fuse it, and use a piece of parchment that is larger than what you're fusing instead. This way, you should be able to peel the fabric off the fusible without having to mess with the corners.

I only use Steam a Seam 2 fusible & the paper comes off before you iron. I'm not understanding what paper would still be attached when you are ironing the applique piece in place.

I found these directions for the Wonder Under. Have you tried using their "alternative" method. That's more like how I use Steam A Seam2

How to Use Wonder Under Fusible Web:

Press and Cut - Place the rough side of Wonder Under against the wrong side of fabric. Press for 5-8 seconds with a hot, dry iron. Let cool, draw desired shape onto paper backing, then cut out.

Alternative method: Trace shape onto paper backing, cut to size, then press, rough side down, onto fabric. (note: avoid backward letters and numbers - draw on rough side of Wonder Under with a ballpoint pen. For dark fabrics, redraw shape on paper side.)

Peel and Fuse - Gently peel off paper backing. Position fusible fabric, web side down, on the project. Cover with a DAMP pressing cloth.

With iron on the wool setting, press FIRMLY for 10-15 seconds (heavier fabrics = more time). Repeat, lifting and overlapping iron until all fabric is fused.

Remove press cloth and iron fabric to eliminate excess moisture.

I hadn't thought about scoring the middle and peeling from there instead of the edge. I'll give that a try on my next pieces. Thanks!

Do you let it cool before taking the paper off?

i have both the paper back and the clear backing of wonder under and both need to be scored in the middle with a pin to remove the backing with ease.

yes you would definetly have to let it cool.

I had used Wonder Under for years with no trouble when a few years ago I got a bad batch and had the same problem you are having. I knew it was the batch because all the other circumstances were the same. I bought some from a different store and it was fine

Sorry you had a problem with Wonder Under. I have used it for years and never had a problem like you did. I always score the back with a pin and then peel it off. No problems.

Rachel it has to be completely cool before you peel it off..also don't leave the iron on too long or it will melt it too much...depends on what you are doing with it. BUT when I make my sunbonnet sues to applique I find that using the fusible interfacing works much better. Then I just iron it onto the backing block and hand stitch around the edges. You have to make sure you put the sticky side towards the fabric then when you flip it the sticky side its outwards. Hope that didn't confuse you...happy stitchin' crafty_linda_b

I score it with a needle and it peels right off.

Did you pre-wash your fabric? The fusibles don't care for the chemicals in the fabric and often will not stick

Wonder Under works best if you wait until the next day to peel the paper off. No pin necessary if you wait. The glue has to reharden and that takes more than just a few minutes.

Here are some guidelines from one of the best fusers out there.
http://www.artfabrik.com/Chicago%20S...0Etiquette.htm

Rachel, I've had the same trouble with fusibles. There are some good tips here. I may give it another go....

i've waited more then that long, some times a week or more to get to the project again and i still have to score the back.

Thanks for the info. I plan to use some soon. Good to know.

Not sure exactly how to explain this, but I roll the piece and then it comes loose. Takes a bit of patience for me but it works.

I have a feeling that your iron was too hot.

I've used Wonder Under without a problem. Perhaps you do have a bad batch.

If you pre-wash your fabric and use fabric softner in the rinse then you might have a problem with the fusiable sticking to it. Fusiables don't like softners.

I have had the best results if I wait the next day to peel the paper off.

I had all kinds of problems with Wonder Under and Steam A Seam 2 - because they were old. I bought them at a quilt show and then it was quite a while before I started using them. I learned also that laying them flat to store them helps some. But the best idea is make sure they are "fresh". If you just bought it, I'd take it back.

Me too. Also if you wait a while before trying to remove the paper it is easier.

I was going to suggest the same... let it cool down. I did this just the other day. It was still a little sticky but when I let it cool down, no problem.

I use this all the time. Also use Steam-a-Seam 2. I buy one or the other depending on if I have a coupon at Joanns. ;-)

I had the same problem and this was my first attempt at using it also.

Wait for it to cool before scoring with a pin and pulling from the center. It doesn't want to cooperate if it is still hot or warm.
D in TX

ditto

I have just purchased the Wonder Under for the first time. So glad I saw this post before trying it out. Thanks to each of you for your experiences. Am sure you have just contributed to my sanity. Best to all. :roll:

I've used Steam-A-Seam II and didn't like it very much. But I had great success with Wonder Under Lite. It DOES make a big diffrence when you wash your material first. I don't do it for regular quilting so I figured I didn't have to do it for applique. Wrong! When I started hand washing my fabric in the sink & rolling it in a towel to remove moisture, then handing it up to dry I had much better results with fusing.

Another tip is to store your unused fusible in a zip lock bag to keep it from drying out. The fusible will separate from the paper before you wish to use it if it becomes too dry. This happens with wonder under as well as steam a seam

I have used Wonder Under for a long time and was wondering, did you wait until it cooled before peeling the paper off? I have never had a problem but I know it must be cool. Good Luck

Maybe you have your iron too hot??? ;-)

Ya know...sometimes you get an "old" package out of the store. Maybe you can take it back for a replacement. Just a thought.
Good luck...

Remember the LET COOL. Sometimes I get in a hurry and forget to let it cool, and it doesn't want to peel nicely.

I recently had a similar problem with my wonderunder. I thought maybe because it is a couple of years old.

I have been using Steam2Seam -- which has 2 sticky sides, so no ironing until time to fuse the applique -- it also comes in a litle version

Have you tried putting a piece of tape on the corner of the paper and using it to lift the corner and start the peeling process?