Monday, March 21, 2011

How to Applique with Fusible Adhesive

Using a fusible adhesive is the easiest way to applique. You're essentially gluing the fabrics together, and then you have the option to stitch around the edge of the applique to add extra strength. I usually straight stitch around the edge, or do a running stitch by hand with embroidery thread, but in the video I show you how to zigzag stitch around the edges of the patch.

Happy sewing!

PS Becky had a couple of questions in the comments section that reminded me of a couple of things I  should add here.

1. Always use lightweight fusible adhesive on clothing or quilts. The heavy stuff is too hard to sew through and also unpleasantly stiff.

2. Always prewash your fabric and DON"T use any fabric softener in the washer or the dryer sheets. Those leave a substance on the surface of the fabric that keeps the adhesive from sticking properly. You need to prewash new fabric and clothing too - the sizing the manufacturers use to keep things looking fresh and crisp in the store does the same thing.

Thanks Becky!

4 comments:

  1. Wendi! I am so glad I found your website. I love your tutorials and they have been so helpful. I think you can read my mind. Everytime I'm wondering about a technique, I open your e-mails and there it is!

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  2. You are so smart Wendi! Thanks for the tutorial. What weight do you usually use? I appliqued some cute stuff on onesies and the bonding fabric was way too thick and sticky to stitch through by hand OR machine.

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  3. Thanks Sue!

    And Becky - excellent question! I should have mentioned that for clothing and quilts I always use the lightest weight stuff I can find. Anything heavier is too hard to sew through byb hand and will gum up your sewing machine needle if you try it by machine.

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  4. And in my "experiment" I found that the alleged strongest stuff does not stay stuck to knit onesies. :( Luckily it did soften a bit after washing so I was able to repair all of 'em without too much stabbage to the fingers!

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