How to Cut Down on Stiffness in Fusible Appliques

The heat from an iron activates the glue used in fusible webbing.

Fusible webbing is a material that usually consists of a paper-backed glue. The glue is heat-activated and bonds two pieces of fabric together when fusible webbing is placed between them. The paper backing is removed and the fabrics are ironed, melting the glue and bonding the fabrics. Used in quilting, crafting and appliques, fusible webbing can be purchased at sewing, hobby and craft supply stores. Removing some of the stiffness that often comes with the use of fusible webbing makes the projects easier to work with and more comfortable to use.

Things You'll Need

• Fusible webbing
• Fabrics
• Scissors
• Iron

Instructions

1. Choose lightweight fusible webbing. The heavier the fusible webbing, the stiffer your project will be. Experiment with scraps of fabric to find the lightest-weight webbing to achieve the desired bonding.

2. Cut away the center of layered projects, leaving only the top and bottom layer intact. For example, if you're creating a flower applique and the stem is the bottom layer, instead of positioning your leaves over the stem, cut the stem below the leaf, removing that bulk and eliminating one layer of fusible webbing.

3. Cut the fusible webbing into small squares and evenly space the squares between the two fabrics when working with large sections of fabric. Position strips of fusible webbing along the edges of the project, making sure there are no gaps in the webbing so the edges are tightly bonded in place.

4. Reduce the amount of fusible webbing used. For display projects like Christmas stockings or 3D hanging images, use less fusible webbing than used on clothing or quilts that will receive heavy use.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the fusible webbing you're using. Use the recommended heat settings and use the fabrics specified for that type of fusible webbing. Failure to do so may cause the webbing to be stiffer and it can cause the fusing to fail.

• Be careful when working with sharp scissors and heated irons and keep small children away.

References

• Susan Brittingham: Fusible Web Products and How to Use Them
• All People Quilt: Eliminate Applique Bulk