Fun with fusible web

[Patrice]

I love the idea of fusible web, and have used it on several occasions. I was just wondering if this stuff is meant to PERMANENTLY adhere fabric to fabric. I have never had much luck getting it to keep the edges from fraying after a bath in the gentle cycle. I also have trouble with the fabric I've ironed on actually stayiong on without releasing somewhere. Am I asking too much of the web?

[gomunk83]

I've never used fusible web before, or any other type of interfacing. I am thinking about making some suede boots for my 18" dolls, but am unsure what type of interfacing would be the best. any suggestions?

[kellen46]

I love the idea of fusible web, and have used it on several occasions. I was just wondering if this stuff is meant to PERMANENTLY adhere fabric to fabric. I have never had much luck getting it to keep the edges from fraying after a bath in the gentle cycle. I also have trouble with the fabric I've ironed on actually stayiong on without releasing somewhere. Am I asking too much of the web?
fusible webbbing will not last permanently. You must secure the edges with some kind of stitching. If you want to you can use a straight stitch and invisible thread or the applique stitch works well. It will fray and it will curl, but I like to make that work for me. I often just use a complimentary thread and embellish as I stitch down the edges.

[sewingnana]

There are some fusibles that will hold much better than others (those meant to fuse heavier weight fabrics), but the problem is that the better the hold, the stiffer and more unyielding your project will be. If you don't want something to drape nicely, or if you aren't planning to stitch through it for further embellishment, that might not be all bad. But generally, you will have to use some kind of stitching to keep it in place through washings. What I do when I use fusibles for appliqued quilt blocks is cut out the center of the fusible, leaving only about 1/2" as an outline to fuse the piece down, and then I do a blanket stitch or chain stitch around it. That way, the piece is secure, but the center is still soft, as it has no fusible under it. Experiment with the different types, and be sure to save the printed directions with your fusible scraps, as they can differ from one brand to another!

[Patrice]

Thanks everyone! I guess I was hoping for a permanent bond with a softer hand. Maybe technology will catch up to my dreams soon. For now, I'll just have to keep stitching!:)

[lchernow]

I found the best way is to start out by just lightly fusing with a dry iron. When I'm done and sure everything is where I want it, I then fuse it down more permanently with steam. If I were to fuse it down with a lot of heat straight away, the glue would melt completely and if I needed to iron the same space again it would destroy the glue and the fabric would not adhere well.

[martie]

Be sure that you have washed your fabric first, and do not use any kind of softner in your rinse or your dryer. I find that just a quick rinse will do the trick. It is always best to zig-zag the edges of your applique. This not only keeps it from fraying, but it also gives it more definition. Hope this helps. Martie

[techitoes]

It just so happens that a friend of mine showed me a brochure for a fusible powder called agent 007 (I think). She heard about it at the sewing/quilting expo that just came through town, She said it was supposed to be VERY permanent. I plan on trying it when it becomes available locally. Just an idea.