How to Quilt With Fusique

Fusique is a brand name for a double-sided fusible web that adheres two layers of fabric together. The fusible web is meant to act like a glue that holds the fabric together prior to the sewing or applique process. This makes it an ideal material to use when performing quilt patterns that require applique. Fusique has a paper backing that is used as a pressing cloth while ironing it to the first layer of fabric. The paper is removed to apply the cut-out applique shape to the quilt top.

Things You'll Need

• Applique pattern pieces
• Sewing pencil
• Scissors
• Scrap material for applique process
• Fusique
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Quilt block
• Sewing machine
• Thread

Instructions

1. Cut out the applique pattern pieces. Lay the pattern pieces close together on the surface of the desired fabric pieces. Cut a piece of Fisque approximately 2 inches larger than the area used by the loose pattern pieces.

2. Remove the pattern pieces from the fabric. Place the fabric on an ironing board so the front side (or pattern side) of the fabric is facing down. Place the cut Fisque on the fabric such the paper side is up.

3. Turn the iron on and adjust it to a cotton setting; allow the iron to heat for three minutes. Place the iron on the upper-left-hand corner of the Fisque paper. Allow the iron to sit in place for 10 seconds. Repeat the process from left to right and top to bottom of the Fisque paper.

4. Remove the fabric and Fisque from the ironing board. Place the fabric on a flat work surface so the paper is on top. Turn the applique pattern over so the front side of the applique is down. Trace around the outside edge of the paper pattern. Trace around all applique pattern pieces in the same manner.

5. Cut all applique pattern pieces from the fabric following the lines you've drawn on the paper backing of the Fisque. Remove the paper from the back of the fabric pattern pieces and place them on the front of the quilt block in the desired locations.

6. Carefully move the quilt block to the ironing board. Reposition any applique pieces to their desired locations. Iron the applique pieces in place by beginning in the upper-left-hand corner of the design. Hold the iron in place 10 seconds. Move the iron to the next location and repeat the process until the entire applique is fused to the quilt block.

7. Line the edges of the attached applique under the pressure foot according to the type of stitch desired. Stitch around the applique to securely attach each piece to the quilt top. For example, a straight stitch is lined up so that the needle is approximately 1/16-inch from the outer edge of the applique piece, while A satin stitch lines up from 1/8- to 1/4-inch from the outer edge of the applique.