Friday, June 28, 2013

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATION OF FABRIC FUSIBLES?

 
You all know that I use Steam a Seam like no ones business.  I haven't really given much thought to anything else.

I went and purchased some Heat Bond the other day and felt like I was cheating....had to look over my shoulder to make sure Steam A seam didn't see me .....

Here is a little video about Heat n' Bond.  I learned from this that I purchased the wrong Heat Bond...I need the Heat n' Bond light.





I also learned a few other useful tips. 

Then there is Misty Fuse, I am not familiar with this at all but I am going to find out.


So what are my expectations of a fusible?
  1. Easy  application
  2. No gumming of needle (which I learned from the video that the UltraHold Heat n'bond is not for my type of applique because it will gum)
  3. Lasting adhesive, which means that when you are busy machine appliqueing the other  pieces do not come up.
  4. Easy peeling of paper after applying fusible to applique piece.

I did notice in the video that she draws her design on her fusible after it is applied to the fabric.  I draw my design on the Steam A Seam before with a #2 pencil.  This will not vanish with the iron so you will still have your design lines to cut out.

I was going to use this Heat n' bond to let you know how I like it but as I said, I chose the wrong one.  Next time I should do my homework first before just grabbing.  I am sure my Steam a Seam is thinking "Serves her right!"


23 comments:

Sheila said...

I use heat n bond light most of the time without issues and have used misty fuse too and like it as well but it is more difficult for me to get .

Heather said...

Personally I use both Heat and Bond lite and steam a Seam 2. I have trouble with Steam a Seam sometimes releasing from the paper as zi am cutting which makes accuracy difficult but it is great for placement of complicated projects. Sadly it can be difficult for me to find it on the roll and sometimes those sheets are just too small!

SewCalGal said...

I also draw my design on the steam a seam before I apply it to my fabric. Just seems easier to trace the design (unless I'm cutting with die or electronic cutting system).

And, I too prefer Steam a Seam, but also like Misty Fuse. I tend to prefer the lightest adhesive stablizer that works with a specific project and even the Heat N Bond light has typically been too heavy for me.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

andsewon said...

I use Heat n Bond Lite.. all I have ever used and have never had any problems with it. They have come out with a Feather Lite I have been trying to find locally but no go. So will have to order online. I draw on the paper no prob.
Lola

marie said...

I love Steam A Seam Light 2---except it is no were to found here in Oregon-------rumor is the manufacturer is having supply and machine problems. If have a source please let me know where I can buy it.

hetty said...

Steam-a-Seam is my fusible web of choice too. I always use the light so that I can sew it down. I still get a bit of glue on my needle, but not too much. I draw my design on the paper before I iron it on. And I use a Teflon sheet so that the glue does not stick to my iron.

Rebecca said...

I like a fusible that allows be to trace my pattern on one side and peel of the other side to place on fabric.
I also like when there is a bit of tack that allows me to place and / or move stuff around without it blowing away from the fan that is over head.

Steam a Seam allows both of these very nicely...

Karen S said...

I use a lot of mistyfuse when I'm fusing -- it's very lightweight so it's useful when doing multiple layers. I don't really trust any fusible, so I cover it with thread and it doesn't gum up the needle or make the quilt stiff. You will need a roll of baking parchment, though, because it doesn't come backed with paper. Try it -- you might like it!

Holee said...

I hate all those products. I hate how they feel and how they look after being washed many times. Truth is, I do it the old way. I use nothing but pins and it doesn't matter if I'm doing it on the machine or by hand. My quilts are soft. You never get that "I am wrinkled like a walnut shell" look.

Deb said...

I have one more for you to try - Floriani Appli-Kay Wonder. I have had so many problems with steam-a-seam's paper being wrinkled or coming off as I handle it. A friend recommended the Appli-Kay Wonder and I love it! Easy to trace on, sticky enough to stay in place while I stitch down the other pieces, light weight, doesn't gum my needle. I get mine from www.sewingmachinesplus.com.

Jocelyn said...

I have always used the Heat and Bond, but I do draw my design on before I apply to the fabric.

Barbara said...

An interesting post, especially since I avoid these things like the plague. Will keep it all in mind, though, thanks!

Gene Black said...

I use Wonder Under a lot because it is what the teacher had us buy...and I bought bulk. LOL. I also have and use Mistyfuse and really like it a lot too. I have never actually drawn on it like in the video. I usually free cut or die cut. (no drawing needed) I always pull the backing away before I cut though as it is easier to get the paper off that way. If you draw and cut just inside the line (on the fusible "glue" itself) after you have peeled away the paper there is no problem. I need to try the Steam A Seam -where do you buy yours?

Wacky Woman said...

I also use the Lite Steam-a-Seam 2. I recently took a workshop that required Misty Fuse and I liked that fine. However, the Steam-a-Seam is easier to find. Thanks for the interesting post Barb.

Susan In Texas said...

Typically, I can't remember the name of the stuff I'm using, and since we're in Louisiana today, I can't run look at the rolls. I have multiple products and I generally test them out before use. I'm of the camp that says to use the very lightest one that will work to avoid the heartbreak of "wrinkled walnut" disease. lol I really like the idea of solubles, but have not used them very much (just on Pierre Lapin, which has been languishing for at least a year now, bad me!)

Take care,
Susan in Texas (well, actually LA)

PS I don't know if it counts as prepping, but I recently did about 20 hours of scrap management for general tidiation purposes. I loved it. It really gets my creative juices flowing to limit myself to just organizing every once in awhile. 8)

barbara woods said...

i am saving this post so when i do that again i can read and learn

Marjorie said...

I'm like Gene--I buy Wonder Under--by the bolt. It is really light and NEVER puckers or comes loose or gums up the needle or any of the nasty things that used to happen with fusibles. With Steam A Seam, I sometimes get a funny looking "grid" on lighter weight fabrics and it costs 2x as much as WonderUnder. And the one time (years ago) I tried Heat N Bond, it didn't stick. The paper comes off Wonder Under better if you let it sit a while rather than trying to peel it off while it's still warm. . . I used Stitch Witchery on my children's baby quilts 30+ years ago and those quilts are as soft as can be to this day.

Marjorie said...

Gene, score the paper with a pin after you cut the shape and the paper comes off easy as pie.

Unknown said...

Well, I have used Heat N Bond, loved it, although did not realize that there are two kinds, lite and the heavy. I have a king size quilt top that I used the wrong kind of fusing. It will always be what it is, a big big lesson learned I tell you.
I will look for the lite and not ever use the other again.
What about spray glue to fuse is that ok?

Anonymous said...

I'm a great fan of the latest Heat n Bond Feather lite, using it on the Rose of Sharon blocks, and it doesn't gum up, and the sewingmachine easily goes through 4 layers without breaking thread or skipping stitches. I can even meander on these pieces, like I did on the New York City Stamp quilt, something I can't do with the HnB lite,

KaHolly said...

I use the light Wonder Under with no problems at all. I didn't care for thr HeatNBond.

RenaissanceSandi said...

I love Heat n Bond Lite. It is everything I have ever needed in a fusible :)

My Sister Made Me Do It.... said...

Barb, I am making a table topper for my Sister and I don't want to use anything too fluffy for quilting.....I used a fusible on a small topper that I made for my Mom but it was a little stiffer than I really wanted. What suggestions would you have for me? The topper is large....will fit a table the same size as your round table.......thanks for any tips you might be able to give me. :)