Learn the role of fusibles to keep your applique smooth as glass.
One of the reasons that GlitterFlex applique designs look so wonderful when embroidered, besides the obvious glistening shine, is that it fuses so beautifully to the fabric. That is a good technique for regular applique, too.
Fusibles hold the applique fabric flat against the background fabric. The result is a smooth, flat finish that holds up over time. Although standard versions are also available, light-weight fusible web is generally ideal for machine embroidered applique.
Wonder-Under
Pellon® 805 Wonder-Under® is the original paper-backed fusible web. It bonds easily in mere seconds and is 100% machine stitchable. The fabric keeps a soft hand after fusing.
Wonder-Under® is great for apparel, home decor, and even craft projects. It bonds fabric to fabric or any porous surface like wood and cardboard. Machine wash warm and tumble dry low or dry clean, without fabric softener.
Lite Steam-A-Seam 2
Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 is ideal for use with the lightest fabrics and for creating multiple layer appliqué on quilts and clothing. The fusible is repositionable, sticking temporarily. When fused, it creates a soft permanent bond. You can use if for machine or hand applique and it is machine washable, dryer safe, and dry cleanable.
HeatnBond
HeatnBond Lite is another paper backed, iron-on, sewable, double-sided adhesive for bonding fabric without extra weight or stiffness. You can draw or print directly on the paper backing to easily design appliqué pieces.
HeatnBond FeatherLite utilizes a lightweight formula that is great for multi-layer pieces, landscape quilts, and wearables since it gets even softer after laundering.
EZ-Steam II
Another Pellon product, EZ-Steam® II is a double-sided, pressure sensitive fusible with a paper backing. That gives you the versatility of moving the applique into another position until you have permanently fused the fabric. Also comes in Lite.
Mistyfuse
Mistyfuse® is an environmentally-friendly fusible. It is acid free and made in a green industrial park in the USA without solvents or harsh chemicals or sticky adhesives. The ultra-fine web stays soft and bonds without adding bulk or gumming up needles.
Shirts in the photo were embroidered with Bonnie’s Fun Time Fruit.
What fusible do you use with applique?
Debbie Henry
Sew Inspired by Bonnie
Debbie Henry - November 03, 2021
Yes, Terry, fusibles can help when using cutting machines to cut applique shapes. Get some of Bonnie’s tips on just that topic in this blog: https://sewinspiredbybonnie.com/blogs/bonnies-blog/using-cutting-machines-with-embroidery.
Debbie Henry - November 03, 2021
Nancy, I would think it would work the same to fuse applique fabric to towels if the nap was not too deep. You may want to test an old towel to be sure. At the very least, I would fuse an interfacing to the fabric that you are using for the applique. When using GlitterFlex, Bonnie recommends fusing it to a base fabric before appliquing it onto towels, especially when there are large areas of applique fabric without any detail stitches inside the design to hold it in place.
Terry l Stahlman - November 02, 2021
Can these fusibles added to fabric help when using a cutting machine for appliques.
Nancy Boccadoro - November 01, 2021
Thanks for the tips on using fusibles for applique. What is your advice on using a fusible product when doing appliques
on towels? I am about to do a hooded towel with a large “peeker” applique on the hood of the project.