How to: Fusing in Quilting

Fusibles can make quilting fast and mistake proof.

Today’s quilters use fusible materials in a myriad of ways. Thin sheets of fusible web can take the place of machine sewing in stitching together fabrics blocks. They can be used to create and attach applique and other embellishments to surfaces of quilted craft projects. Additionally, fusible battings come in a variety of lofts and thicknesses and provide layers of warmth to clothing and bed quilts while saving the sewer hours of preparation that otherwise would be needed to stabilize a quilting project for final surface stitching. Though they come in different thicknesses and are used for various reasons, all fusible webs share common features in how they are fused.

Things You'll Need

• Fusible web, interfacing or batting
• Scissors
• Iron
• Parchment paper or a type ironing cloth
• Ironing board

Instructions

1. Preheat your iron to a medium to high heat and steam setting.

2. Cut your fusible to the shape and size need. Your fusible can be slightly smaller than your pattern piece since there is no need to allow for seam allowances.

3. Place the adhesive side of the fusible to the wrong side of the fabric. The adhesive side of the fusible will be textured and slightly shiny.

4. Cover the fusible and topside of your fabric with parchment paper or your pressing cloth. Press down with your iron. Keep your iron on thin interfacing types fusible for 10 to 15 seconds. Fusible batting only needs 3 to 5 seconds of heat to bond.

5. Press down with your iron over each area that needs to be fused. It is important to lift and set down the iron and not to slide it in a back and forth manner.

6. Check your fabric pieces for proper adhesion and repeat the process, if needed. Batting can be reheated and repositioned, if needed, although it is not always possible to reposition thin fusible web.

Tips & Warnings

• Use care in fusing synthetic fabrics. These instructions work for fusing cotton fabrics.

• Iron a small test piece if you are unsure how a fabric will react to heat.

• Take care of your iron. Fusible glue can wreak havoc on a iron's sole plate.

• If you are embarking on a project that involves lots of small pieces being fused, then consider purchasing an ironing cloth you can insert between the iron and quilt project.

References

• Thermaweb Adhesives: Fusible Interfacing Directions
• June Taylor: Quilters Fusible Batting Frequently Asked Questions