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 usually use HeatnBond Lite for my projects, and it works wonderfully!
Wonder-Under is my pick. As an “oldie” I began using it when I first learned to sew in the 60’s. Although I like to try different types on the market, I always keep some of my Old Friend just in case. It is a great product that has never disappointed me
I have used just about every kind of fusible on the market but Heat N Bond is my fave.
I have used most of the products mentioned here. I like Heat’N bond lite for wearables or when I am going to sew raw edges down by machine. I like Misty Fuse for more delicate fabrics. I used Woner Under when I am doing hand embelishment over the fused area.
I have used Pellon and Heat and Bond products most frequently, because I have easy access to them. I enjoyed the information you shared in the post.
I have always used Pelon
I love steam a seam…holds everything in place.
I usually use Steam-a-Seam2 and like how it sticks in place until I am ready to press it. I’ve recently bought some Steam-A-Seam-Lite and am looking forward to trying it out.
I rarely use fusibles. I think I am a little afraid to try them. Would love to win this box full and would have fun trying them.
I use Pellon Wonder Under and Heat’n Bond Lite. I love both of them.
I use Steam-a-Seam2 most of the time.
I use the Heat’n Bond Lite alot. Very happy with the product.
I don’t have a particular fusible product, but have tried most of them/love them…Thanks for the opportunity to win a box of goodies!
I usually use Pellon’s fusible web.
My favorite fusible is Steam-A-Seam 2. I use it all the time. Thanks for all the information about fusibles – very informative!
I think I have used all of them except misty fuse and I want to try it as well
So far I prefer the heat n bond products. I have not used the sprays but may try those later. Don’t want goop on my needles but this says it doesn’t do that so maybe. The lite is great for quilting since it’s not stiff
Had never thought about the printer trick will have to try that also.
Thank you for the information on fusibles. I haven’t tried them yet, but now I will be informed as to the best fusible for each project.
I like Pellon wonder under but I would like to try Heat and bond featherlite, and would like to see if it is as soft as the wonder under.
For quilting I like steam a seam 2. For sewing clothes I like Pellon (which one depends on the project).
The most fun fusible I ever used? Something that was so stiff it was almost like cardboard – I used it for the underlayer for felt birthday party cone hats.
I have used heat bond and wonder under. I would love to win one of these boxes as I am just starting to learn applique.
I recently make my first applique piece and used Steam-a- Seam Lite. Since having thumb joint replacement surgery on my right hand a few months ago I was concerned as to whether the piece would be pliable enough for me to be able to cut through it. I didn’t need to worry….. with Steam-a-Seam, it was not a problem! Great product, would love to win a supply
I buy Heat n Bond Lite by the bolt, then roll it onto a child’s art paper holder I found at IKEA. Every applique shape I cut out is ‘windowpaned’ so there is as little fusible substance on my quilts as possible.
BUT I’m very interested in the HnB Feather Lite. I’d love to try it, especially on the really itty bitty pieces that I cannot windowpane.
i LOVE Steam A Seam II – use it so much with my wool applique.
I don’t do a lot of fusible projects but when I have Heat n Bond Lite has worked wonderfully. Thanks for a chance to win!
I’ve used Pellon and Steam a Seam and like both. I think I’ve tried Heat and Bond, too. It depends on my needs what I end up using, but all are great products. Thanks!
I use Heat’n’Bond and Steam a Seam II. Both are very easy to manage and always stay in place.
We use HeatnBond Lite exclusively and we do a lot of raw-edge applique projects in the shop. The FeatherLite has met with mixed reviews. Two of our ladies do not like it because the pieces do not stay adhered to the background long enough to get them stitched down. A third lady loves it because it doesn’t add any stiffness to her projects. We switched from Wonder Under to HeatnBond after we realized that Wonder Under has a shelf life, i.e. the paper backing will separate from the fusible web.
I use Steam a Seam 2 and Heat n Bond Lite. My favorites.
I stock up on Heat n Bond lite.
I don’t know if I have a favorite. I’ve tried different ones for different projects with differing success. My latest project, I used fusible fleece (from Pellon, I think) as a liner on the flower girl baskets for my wedding.
Mistyfuse for me! It does not change the ‘hand’ of the fabric and virtually disappears. I even used it to fuse together some fractured lace on a wedding gown. LOVE IT.
My very favorite is the light weight Wonder Under,I have made many art quilts and etc. so I try to keep it on hand all the time .I love it, but I am also willing to try anything new .
I always use Mistyfuse…..I have it in white and black and buy it in large put-ups so that I will never run out. It can be used with any fabric from sheers and netting to denim and never changes the hand of the fabric. Easy to stitch through after applied between fabric layers, either by machine or by hand. Ever since this product came on the market I have been a happy fuser person – it is by far the most user friendly product and never makes my work change form mid stream like some more rigid fusibles seemed to do for me.
My vote is for Mistyfuse for all fusing.
Misty Fuse is an amazing product! It cuts down half the time because you are not ironing on anything paperbacked. You are ironing on THE PRODUCT! I took a class recommending Steam a seam II and found it fairly easy to use, but then re did the project after purchasing Misty Fuse and it was so much easier! I can see where if you are doing letters or other shapes you might need to us a paper backed product, but for general adhering two things together Misty fuse works great!
if you’re fusing fabric that you are going to sew then you want to use Mistyfuse. I create fabric collages that have upwards of 6 or 7 layers of fabric all fused together and can stitch through them all with absolutely no gumming of the needle or any other issues commonly found when using products other than Mistyfuse. It’s very lightweight so it does not change the hand of the fabric but still creates an incredibly strong bond. It’s the only fusible that I use in my studio and the only one that I recommend to my students.
It does not come with all that paper that other products come with so I use either the Goddess sheet (the teflon sheet by Mistyfuse) or Reynolds Baking parchment paper. If you’re doing fusible applique work and you are having to reverse your designs – then you’ll definitely want to check out the NO REVERSE work it forward applique technique that you can do with Mistyfuse. You’ll find it on my blog along the top menu and you’ll also find some free Mistyfuse projects and a free tip sheet as well.
really enjoy using all the products- done alot of differant items over the years
I love to use Vliesofix. I find it quick and easy to use and it holds everything together well.
I would love to get to know alle these products. I know seam at steam, it´s absoutely great!
Bente
I LOVE Mistyfuse! I use it for all my fusing projects. It will not gum up your sewing needles, it does not change the feel of the fabric, it is less expensive to use as it is wider than other products and costs less per meter.
If I need a parchment back, I can put one onto it. No need to purchase all that paper just to throw it away later.
I love the method of NO REVERSE work- use it all the time.
I keep all my scraps of fabric that have Mistyfuse on them in an empty chocolate box. Perfect to find just that little bit of color for the next project.
I LOVE Misty Fuse! It doesn’t affect the feel (hand) of the fabric, leaving the fabric’s softness and drape unchanged. I just trace the applique pattern right onto the fabric (on the back, if the pattern is reversed), using a fine-point black fabric marker. I can still see the marking through the Misty Fuse after it’s been fused to the fabric’s back. I cut just at the inside edge of the marking. I use an Applique Pressing Sheet to apply the Misty Fuse. I particularly love the black Misty Fuse for darker fabrics. In that case, I trace and cut a pattern out of paper, pin it to the fabric, and cut around it. To me, using a fusible without a paper backing isn’t any more trouble than using one with a backing. I’ve always had problems with the paper-backed ones, anyway. A lot of time may go by before I use the whole quantity I bought, and the paper inevitably loses its bond and comes off anyway.
I love Misty Fuse! It’s great because it is thin, and therefore is easier to machine quilt. It comes in black, white, and violet (haven’t tried that one).
Heat & Bond Lite; thanks for chance to win!
I love heat n bond lite for all my hand applique, dont know how I ever managed without it. In the U3A class I’m about to start tutoring I will recommend it to my students, great stuff.
I prefer Mistyfuse because it’s so sheer.
I use lots of Wonderunder and some Misty Fuse. I’m willing to try others so will give a fair assesment if I win the prize.
I use Steam a seam 2 1/4″wide tape. It’s wonderful for bias and vines.
I’ve used Heat’n Bond and Steam-a-seam II. Heat’n bond lite is my go-to fusible. I love it. My sister bought me steam a seam 2 a couple years ago as a b-day gift. I have enjoyed using it as well. But heat n bond is more ready available for me. So that’s what I use most.
I use Heat and Bond Lite for all of my fusible appiques that I do by machine !!! Love the stuff and I always have some in my house. I would love to try different products but the opportunity just hasn’t presented itself.
I like many of the fusibles, but recently tried Steam a seam sheets and liked that it was slightly tacky.
I love the fusable lite for my Sunbonnet Sue appliques. I