What is fusible appliqué?

• A method of appliqué where a fusible web is used to bond smaller fabric pieces to a larger background fabric.  This is different from needle turned applique, where the edges of the fabric are turned under and sewed on by hand.

 

What is fusible web?

• A double-sided adhesive material that allows you to adhere fabric pieces temporarily or permanently with heat.  One side is paper that you can write on, and the other is the ‘glue’.  I highly recommend Hotfix Adhesive, because it is flexible and lightweight (you can sew through it without gumming up your needle), and it is the only fusible I know of that is permanent in the wash.  So you don’t have to sew around each applique piece when you’re done.

 

What supplies do I need for fusible appliqué?

• Common supplies include fusible web, fabric, scissors, an iron, ironing board or a flat very firm surface, and a sewing machine and thread for finishing.  Optional items are a Teflon pressing sheet to protect your ironing board, a Sharpie for tracing, and an iron cleaning product in case any fusible gets on your iron.

 

What scissors should I use for cutting?

• Scissors are very important, and I highly recommend Fiskars 5” Micro Tip Easy Action Scissors.  There can be a lot of cutting to do, and they make cutting SO much easier, especially if you have arthritis or carpel tunnel.  

 

What fabrics work best for fusible appliqué?

• Cotton fabrics are most common because they are easy to handle, adhere well, and can handle the heat needed for the fusible bond.  I love all quilting cotton fabrics, and especially Batiks!

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How do I prep my fabrics before starting?

• Washing the fabrics before applying the fusible web is probably a good idea to remove the sizing.  However, I am usually in a hurry to get started working on my projects, so I just dive right in (and I’ve still had good luck with the fusible adhering well).  Make sure you iron your fabric well before applying the fusible though… any wrinkles in the fabric will prevent the fusible from adhering well.

 

Are the applique shapes in your patterns already reversed?

• Yes!  You can trace the shapes exactly as they are without using a light box or having to reverse them.

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Are the applique shapes full-sized, or do I need to blow them up?

• They are already full sized, so you do not need to change the size at all.  However, if you ordered the PDF version and are printing them at home, I find with my printer I need to print the Pattern Pages at 98%, so it doesn’t cut off the shapes at the edges of the page.  But each printer is different, so if yours prints at 100%, that’s ideal.

 

Do I need to tape the Reference Pages together?

• No, you do not need to tape them together (and in fact, they won’t line up if you try to tape them).  Because they are just a reference to look at to see where the pieces go in relation to one another, there is no need.  You will see where some pieces on each page are ‘greyed out’.  This is just to show you where the pattern overlaps from the previous page.

 

How do I prevent fraying on the edges of the appliqué?

• The fusible does a good job of bonding the fabric fibers, so there is almost no fraying.  If the tiny little edges of fabric poking out bother you, you will need to use a satin stitch or zig zag to cover up the edges.  I leave my edges unfinished.

 

Can I reposition the appliqué once it’s fused?

• Some fusible webs allow repositioning until permanently fused; others do not. If you are using Hotfix Adhesive, it instantly bonds to the background fabric, so it is not repositionable.  

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Can I wash items with fusible appliqué?

• Yes, but if you use a fusible other than Hotfix Adhesive, you will need to sew around the applique shapes to secure them before washing.

 

What stitches and thread are best for finishing fusible appliqué?

• You can use a satin stitch, zigzag, blanket stitch, or straight stitch, depending on the look you want.  If I choose to sew around the shapes, I use a straight stitch, and sew very close to the edge (about 1/8” - 1/16” away).  I like to use invisible thread, because I can sew from one shape to the next without having to tie the thread off.  But you can also use a 100% cotton thread in a coordinating color.

 

Why isn’t my appliqué sticking properly?

• Possible reasons include cheap fusible, insufficient heat (for Hotfix Adhesive, use a dry iron with the Cotton setting), not pressing long enough, having wrinkles in your fabric, and not using a firm enough pressing surface.  I also found with Hotfix Adhesive, it is necessary to iron the applique pieces onto your background fabric well, and then flip your project over, and iron again from the back side.  This seems to really ‘lock on’ the applique shapes.

 

Why does the fusible web gum up my needle?

• This can happen if you are using a Heavy Weight fusible.  Make sure the fusible you are using says it is OK to sew through.  Hotfix Adhesive is light weight and will not gum up your needle.