By: Pat Sloan
Way back when… before I was a quilter.. yes THAT long ago… I fused fabric to fabric. I started out by fusing fabric images to the front of sweatshirts. This is when I really learned about the properties of fusibles. Like home dec fabric is sprayed with a Scotch Guard so it repeals dirt.. it also repels fusibles and paint…. who knew!
I have become really good at fusing cotton to cotton and stitching it down for appliqué. Most fusible products work in a similar fashion:
- Trace your design onto the paper side (some have 2 papers)
- cut away some of the fusible.. or use if across the whole shape (see my tutorial HERE)
- iron the glue side onto the BACK of your appliqué shape
- cut ON the line to create your final appliqué shape
- peel off the paper
- place the glue side down onto your background fabric
- Iron again to adhere the shape
Today at the Learning Center I want to share a list of the different products available to you. You may want to explore several of them to see what works for you!
Therm O Web
I work with the Therm O Web company on their design team. I’ve used Heat n bond lite for over 15 years and love it… really love it! When they asked me to join their design team years ago I was thrilled as I truly believe in this product. I invited the Director of Marketing, Candace Kos, to do a little intro of their products. She is very talented right now as she is usually “one armed” since her other arm is always holding her brand new baby girl!
From Candace Kos…
“There are many ways to do appliqué and ways to speed up the quilting process. Our favorite way is to use adhesive to minimize the need for pinning or to finish a project all together.”
- HeatnBond® Iron-On Adhesive is frequently referred to as “Fusible Web” but it actually isn’t a web, it’s a solid sheet of adhesive. This means that you get edge to edge coverage on your appliqué shapes, no matter the size of appliqué. This eliminates puckering, bunching and also allows for Pat’s favorite technique of cutting away the inside of an appliqué leaving a soft interior and less adhesive used.
- HeatnBond® is available in three styles. HeatnBond® Ultrahold is a no-sew permanent adhesive! It’s great for adding embellishments, accents and details to quilts, wall hangings, home décor and costumes when you don’t want to sew or can’t sew. In addition to all kinds of fabric, it can also be used on wood and canvas for other creative home décor projects!
- HeatnBond Lite is a sewable permanent adhesive! Use this when you need to sew the project, but you don’t want to spend your time pinning! Iron your appliqués, edges and embellishments in place and then sew at your leisure! No more accidentally pinning yourself while handling the project! Iron your pieces into place and then sew as you normally would, the fabric remains flexible and the adhesive won’t gum up your needles. (Tip: if you are finding any resistance while sewing or are trying to sew through many layers, you can use a product called “Sewer’s Aid” to wet your thread and have an easier time stitching thru adhesive.) Use it to create costumes, table runners, placemats, quilts and tons of other projects! You can also seal the edges with fabric paint, so it can also be used on sweatshirts, canvases and wall hangings!
- HeatnBond® FeatherLite is a new sewable permanent adhesive that is even lighter than Lite. This adhesive is perfect for baby quilts, thin summer quilts, wearables and especially for multi-layered projects such as landscape quilts. It gets buttery soft after washing and doesn’t even feel as if adhesive is part of the project.
All of the HeatnBond® products can be washed and dried after properly adhered (for Ultrahold that’s just ironing for Lite and FeatherLite that’s sewing the edges after ironing pieces on.)
There are a few other great features of HeatnBond® products is due to the paper-backed nature of the product. First, HeatnBond® adhesive sheets can be run through your INKJET printer! Simply trim the sheet to an appropriate size to fit through your printer (typically 8.5 x 11). Place the sheet in so the ink will print on the paper side. Set your printer to draft, transparency or acetate settings (which puts out less ink) and print your design! (Just remember to print alphabet letters in reverse since the HeatnBond will be ironed to the back of your fabric. Do NOT use in a laser printer!! The heat from the laser printer will melt the adhesive inside your printer.)
Also, HeatnBond adhesive sheets can be run through your manual or computerized die-cut systems, such as AccuQuilt®, Cricut®, Silhouette®, Sizzix Eclipse® and more! Iron the adhesive onto the back of your fabric, trim the fabric to a size that will fit in your die-cut system and automatically cut out shapes, letters and other appliqué drawings! You may have to adjust the depth of your blade depending on the thickness of the fabric you are using. Be sure to test it on a scrap piece of fabric before running your real fabric thru. And be sure to change your blade often, a sharp blade will yield the best results. Then simply peel off the back liner and iron it to your project! How easy is that!
Therm O Web also makes a few other adhesive products that are great for quilting! The SuperStik Glue Stick is permanent on paper, but has a temporary bond on fabric! It allows you to place appliqués, sew them on your project and then the adhesive dissolves out of the fabric during laundering. This makes it a great option for baby quilts and outfits, summer quilts and all kinds of wearables. Simply apply glue to the back of your appliqué and stick onto your project. Allow the glue to dry and then sew as you normally would! It doesn’t gum up needles and stays flexible for easy stitching.
The last form of adhesive Therm O Web manufactures is SpraynBond®. These are spray adhesives that come in two forms. SpraynBond Fusible Adhesive acts like Ultrahold. Simply spray it on the back of your applique and iron it down. There is no need to sew after it has been ironed. This heat-activated spray is permanent, machine washable, dryable and dry cleanable.
The other form is SpraynBond Basting Adhesive. This is a spray with a temporary bond. This feature means it is perfect for placement, design consultations, wearables, pattern placement and keeping batting in its place while stitching. This adhesive must be sewn to make it permanent as it washes out while laundering.
Experiment with all these types of adhesives to make your project come together quickly! Therm O Web Adhesives & Interfacings are “Behind Every Great Project”!
Therm O Web Adhesives is a family-owned and operated business with over 35 years of experience in adhesive manufacturing. Therm O Web is proud to have a successful history manufacturing adhesives for multiple craft disciplines including: fabric crafts, quilting, tailoring, scrapbooking, paper crafts and art with the majority proudly made in the USA. Their family of adhesives holds such famed product lines as: HeatnBond® Iron-on Adhesive, StitchnSew®, Zots® Adhesive Dots, SuperTape™, PeelnStick™, PeelnStick™ Fabric Fuse and Iron-on Vinyl.
Visit them: Therm O Web | Blog | Join them on Facebook
Why I use Steam-A-Seam 2
I asked Sewing expert Lorine Mason to give her top reasons she loves to use the Steam-A-Seam line of fusing products.
I am a huge fan of Steam-A-Seam 2 by The Warm® Company and this is why.
The double sided paper liner:
- Prevents tacky fusible web from becoming attached to items not meant for the project at hand.
- Paper liner is perfect for tracing patterns whether using pen or pencil. I have even run it through my printer with success.
- Paper liner is a built in pressing sheet and is reusable if kept clean.
- Paper liner makes a great tear away stabilizer.
- Trace applique designs onto paper liner, remove opposite side of liner, press onto fabric. Perfect for storing for use in later design work. Note: one side of paper liner is designed to come away very easily. Trace on the liner paper that stays with the web.
Lorine Mason is a licensed product designer, an accomplished project designer and the author of ten ‘how to’ sewing books. An eye for detail, innovative project design, trend awareness and hard work are the corner stones of her business; Lorine Mason Designs. It’s Sew Lorine©, is a brand, a blog and a lifestyle. As an avid sewer herself, she loves to inspire others to create unique home sewn items with a twist. Lorine in the editor of the Sewing Savvy e-newsletter which can be accessed at
More Fusibles
Wonder-Under by Pellon has been on the market a long time. This is the first fusible product that I purchased and used when making sweatshirts. It is readily available and many people love it. See the Pellon web site for more information on how to use their product.
I found this ‘ask the crafter’ write up useful. And Robbie shares about “the wrap”.
The Misty fuse product has no paper on it. It is thinner and I’d love to know what you think about it. I have yet to try this one.
Stacy Michell markets a fusible she loves to use under the product name “Shades Soft Fuse”. Stacy started selling this fusible 5 years ago and she works with it as a full fusible product.
Vliesofix is mostly sold outside of North America. I had a chance to try it and it works very similar to Wonder Under. I found this blog write up on it.
We also found this write up about fusibles and interfacings.
Give-Aways
Our friends at Therm O Web have a HUGE box of goodies… no wait … TWO huge boxes of goodies to give-away. You have two opportunities to win. First, leave a comment below answering: Do you have a favorite fusible product? Which one?. If it isn’t included above, please provide a link too so others can give it a try.
Winners will be selected randomly next Wednesday, May 9th.
Second, head over to the Therm O Web blog and enter the give-away there too. P.S. they have tutorials or info posts every day of the week.. lots of good stuff!
Congratulations to #59 Karrie S. on winning this gift box of fusible goodies. Check your email for a message from me.
Pat Sloan is owner and founder of the quilting design and publishing company Pat Sloan & Co. She has published over 25 books, more than 100 patterns, nearly 10 fabric lines, and has had her work featured in all the major Quilt magazines. In January 2010, Pat started hosting her weekly Internet Radio show called Creative Talk Radio.
Find Pat here:
Web Site | Blog | Radio Show | Facebook | Twitter
Quilt Forum | Pinterest | Newsletter
I like Heat n Bond. Thanks for the info and for the giveaway!
my favorite is the Heat n Bond Lite, but I live in Brazil every year when I travel to USA HandnBond’re always on my shopping list.
I love Steam-a-Seam 2. It’s repositionable and reliable.
I have had lots of success with Steam-a-Seam-2 and would love to try others.
I use pellon since that is what is available at the store, but I would love to try other products and work more with fusibles and machine appliqué.
Debbie
I’ve tried the Pellon before and thought it worked well. I love all these reviews and have benefited from reading about the different ones! I’d love to win the goody box!
I love a product called Applifix sold here in Australia by The Craft Cubby. I’m not sure whether it is made specifically for them but its a great product. One thing I love about it is that it comes in a cardboard tube and the paper backing never comes off until you want it to (which is a problem I have had with other brands!)
Lately, I’ve been using a lot of fusible fleece. Talk about a miracle product!
I really like Steam a Seam
My all time favorite is HeatnBond Lite – although, I must admit, I’m falling in love with the HeatnBond FeatherLite too! I’ve tried others…sparingly…but always come back to these – they’re the only ones we stock in our quilt shop.
I don’t have a favorite. I’m a little bit skittish about fusing, I’m afraid it will affect the quilting later on.
But after reading the stories above I’m ready to try.
I like Steam-a-Seam 2, I like having the double paper and the ability to not have it stick to everything.
Great information you have shared, I had only used Heat-n-Bond until this past year, and will always have a soft spot for it.
Thanks for all the info about fusibles. I usually buy one from Textile Traders,sorry can’t remember the name of it. It works so well and is very strong unlike some of the fusibles.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo
I have always preferred Wonder Under, but have been wanting to try Steam a Seam. Thanks for the great info on fusibles!
Yes, I LOVE Steam a Seam 2 and use it all the time!
I have been using the Pelion fusible fleece lately as I have been making purses. I found it very helpful especially when using up scraps,found I throw away much less that way. I enjoy the different fusibles as it makes sewing projects much easier as I am a born again sewer after many years.
My favorite is Steam a Seam 2…..Still use wonder under some…it was first fusible I used
I have used Heat n Bond for years to fuse various forms of appliqué. It was fun to learn about other products that are now on my “need to try” list.
I normally use Steam-a-Seam Lite, but I’d love to try this new HeatnBond Featherlite!
I really like Heatnbond. I use it almost every time I appliqué.
I’ve always been timid about fusibles; never knowing which ones to use for which projects so this was informative. sounds like I need to try a few and just stick with the one that works best for me. I’d love a go at that box of goodies!
I don’t have a favorite fusible yet. I have just bought an embroidery machine and am trying to decide what product to use with it. this article is so helpful! maybe I can win a prize and get to ty them all out!
I have always used heat n bond and have been very happy with the results.
I like Heat ‘n Bond Lite.
I have only used Heat n Bond lite but would love to try other fusibles.
Hello! I have been using steam a seam 2 lately but have not had a large amount of experience yet with fusibles to have a favorite. I would love to win this box of goodies as I have a few patterns I really want to work on but no fusible web right now!! Thanks for the awesome information!!
I like the Steam a Seam. Thanks for the great tutorial on the others!
I like steamaseam and heatandbond both,and use them interchangeably.
Steam a seam 2 lite is my absolute favorite! Can’t do applique without it =)
Thanks for the chance to win!
I have only ever used Heat n Bond lite. Thanks for such an informitive post.
I like Wonder Under the best, because I like the paper on one side only. Next up is Misty Fuse, but because of the lack of paper… getting your design from thought to form takes a bit of doing. I would love to try the Heat n Bond products!!! Thanks for the chance.
I have only used Heat n Bond Lite and never had any problems with it.
My favorite is Steam-a-seam, I’ve not tried Heat n Bond. I would like to try different brands for different techniques.
Wow! What a box of goodies. I have used Wonderunder and various Pellon products, mostly in garment sewing.
Love working with Heat n Bond Light. I’m old enough to remember what was available in the 70’s. Fusibles of today have come a long way.
Right now I have wonder under I am trying to use up a huge roll I have. I have used the heat and bond, it is not quite as stiff so to speak.
I usually use HeatnBond light. I also use Pellon.
I usually use wonder under by pellon as it is easy to stitch through. My plan is to try lots of different types to see what works best for what I do.
Heat n Bond Lite is a dream to use! I make quilts, garments, and home dec, and just LOVE it!!!!!
I have used almost all the products you describe and I can’t say I really have a favorite, but I will say that the heat n bond works better for me because of it’s continuous length off the roll. I’ve only been able to find steam a seam in individual sheets and I don’t get the best use of the product due to the limited sheet size. That and twice I’ve traced the pattern onto the wrong side of the liner and had to redraw all the pieces (lots and lots) or the pattern would’ve been backward. Not Happy! Thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve used Heat and Bond Lite. I’ve tried a few others, but they tend to be heavy and gum up the needle when I want to stitch over the applique.
What a wealth of info on fusibles! Thanks! I have a love-hate relationship with Wonder Under (for the longest time it was the only fusible/adhesive available in this area). I am very anxious to try HeatnBond® FeatherLite because I suspect it will give me the results I have been looking for. I have used Steam-A-Seam products quite often lately and am just starting to experiment with Mistyfuse.
It is great to now have so many choices!
I used Wonder Under when I first started machine applique..now I use Heat n Bond Lite..love it.
I like Steam a seam 2 and Wonder Under but would love to try some other products.
Hi there:
Yes I have a favorite fusible product, it is Steam A seam, I couldn´t look for many of your products in my country, so I want to win and learn more things.
Ale
Costa Rica
I love steam a seam for applique and use weft insertion to give additional body for fabrics that will have heavy machine embroidery on them. I also have used a quilting basting spray that helps with the placement of the top/bottom/ and batting on large quilts but I have still pinned prior to taking to the sewing machine to quilt them.
i would love to try the steam a seam feather lite. I love the ease of fusible for applique shapes, but hat the stitching through step. Maybe the feather lite is just the ticket. Thanks for the opportunity.
Thank you for the wealth of info about fusibles. I am always uncertain about what to use because there are so many available. I tend to just grab one that is easily available to get beyond the confusion and keep the project moving. I hope I can make more informed decisions with this new background.
I use Heat ‘n Bond Lite a lot. Haven’t really tried any others because this works great.
Thanks for all the great information. Fusibles just seem to make a lot of tasks that much easier.