Fusible web is an essential tool for quilters who love appliqué quilt patterns. With so many brands on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your traditional or modern quilt patterns. In this guide, we’ll compare popular fusible web brands and discuss their benefits for fusible appliqué.
What is Fusible Web?
Fusible web is a heat-activated adhesive that allows fabric to bond without sewing. It comes in different weights and levels of permanence, making it important to choose the right type for your specific appliqué needs.
Top Fusible Web Brands for Appliqué
1. Heat-n-Bond Lite
Type: Paper-backed, double-sided fusible web
Best For: Machine-stitched or raw-edge appliqué
Pros:
Fairly strong bond with minimal stiffness
Great for both beginner and advanced appliqué projects
Cons:
Slightly heavier than other light fusibles
Is not permanent, and needs to be sewn down
Can gunk up the needle if overused
2. Steam-A-Seam 2 Lite
Type: Double-sided fusible web with repositionable adhesive
Best For: Projects that require layering multiple applique pieces
Pros:
Repositionable until pressed, allowing for adjustments
Works well when layering applique pieces
Cons:
Can be tricky to remove the paper backing
Cannot slide an applique piece to reposition it on background fabric... need to pick up one piece at a time
May lose tackiness over time if not ironed quickly
Not permanent, and needs to be sewn down
3. Wonder Under by Pellon
Type: Paper-backed, double-sided fusible web
Best For: Delicate fabrics
Pros:
Very lightweight, does not stiffen fabric
Creates a strong, yet flexible bond
Works well for fine details
Cons:
Paper backing can be hard to remove
Not permanent, and needs to be sewn down
3. Hotfix Adhesive
Type: Paper-backed, double-sided fusible web
Best For: Machine-stitched or raw-edge appliqué
Pros:
Great for both beginner and advanced appliqué projects
Creates a strong, yet flexible bond with minimal stiffness
Works well for fine details
Is permanent once ironed, and you don't need to sew pieces down
Will not gum up your needle during quilting
Cons:
Paper backing can be hard to remove (but I have a tip for that!)
Which Fusible Web is Right for You?
Feature | HeatnBond Lite | Steam-A-Seam 2 Lite | Wonder Under | Hotfix Adhesive |
Weight | Medium | Light | Light | Light |
Good for Beginners | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Requires Stitching | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Softness | Moderate | Soft | Very Soft | Soft |
So, which one to use?
While any of these brands will work, my personal preference for making applique quilt patterns is Hotfix Adhesive. I really love the fact that it feels soft and flexible, and it is permanent when you are done. I can choose to stitch around the applique pieces when I quilt my project (it won’t gum up my needle), but if I decide to use an all over edge-to-edge quilt design, that’s just fine too. And after washing, I can throw it in the dryer on low heat (OK... full disclosure… when I tested out a sample, I didn’t know about the ‘low heat’ recommendation, and just threw it in the dryer on high heat with a load of my laundry… and it still came out just fine! But I wouldn’t recommend it, just in case the heat re-melts the glue).
No matter which brand you choose, fusible appliqué is a fantastic way to add creativity and detail to your traditional or modern quilting projects!
Happy quilting! 🧵✨
Comments