It’s time to embark on another applique adventure, so let’s get started! I am going to show you how to use the modern innovation of fusible web interfacing. This product works great for making applique quilting so much easier, faster, and more fun to do!
I have already covered the method for creating raw-edge appliques without any assistive supplies such as web interfacing, and you can find that article here if you wish to use that method.
What Is Applique With Fusible Web Interfacing?
It is a simple, versatile and the most widely used machine applique technique. Also known as fusible applique.
This comprehensive web fusion applique tutorial is designed to guide you through the process of appliquéing any type of shapes in a neat, smart, easy, and fun way, which everyone can follow! It’s time to get started, shall we?
What Is Fusible Web Interfacing?
Fusible web, also known as iron-on adhesive or iron-on interfacing, consists of a mesh of a solid fabric glue that melts when it is heated. As a result, it can be ironed on the fabric and can be used to attach two fabrics together. A lightweight fusible web with a paper backing, with one half covered with paper, is ideal for applique applications.
In the case of raw edge machine applique with fusible web, all you have to do is trace the inverted outline of the applique onto the paper lining of the fusible web, fuse it to the backside of the fabric, and then cut it out. It must then be ironed onto the background fabric and stitched into place after the shape is ironed on.
The technique is easy to use, quick to apply and provides excellent results on almost all shapes and sizes.
Is Appliqueing With Fusible Web Difficult?
Absolutely Not! In order to applique your fabric, the easiest way is to use a fusible adhesive. The method essentially consists of gluing the two fabrics together and then stitching around the edge of the applique to add more strength to the piece. Without fusible web, there is the possibility that the applique may get slightly moved to a different place than where you wanted it, and the fusible web goes a long way toward holding an applique exactly where you want it to be.
After fusing, I usually do a zig-zag stitch that covers both the applique itself and the fabric outside the edge of the applique, but you can also use a straight stitch along the outside of the applique, just next to the edge of the applique.
The fusible adhesive helps to ensure that the applique is secure and won’t move around when stitching. The stitching helps to reinforce the bond between the two fabrics and ensures that the applique will stay in place.
There was a long period of time where I hardly used fusible adhesive for quilts. All of the products were just too stiff, and those that were more flexible just weren’t able to hold up as well.
This is no longer the case!
Throughout the years, there have been a lot of improvements in this category. It has now become one of my very favorite applique techniques.
Ultimately, I settled on a brand of fusible adhesive called Heat & Bond Lite based on the quality of the product. There are a lot of options for you to buy it: you can buy it by the yard or by the roll. However, I especially like the printable sheets because I am lazy and I hate tracing.
ALWAYS Pre-Wash All Fabric You Are Appliqueing With
I would like to add one more note. Prewashing your fabric is very important if you are going to use fusible adhesive on your fabric. In order to keep the fabric looking fresh and crisp in the shop, the manufacturer applies sizing to it – however, this sizing can also prevent the adhesive from adhering properly to the fabric when it is applied. Prewashing your fabric will remove the sizing and allow the adhesive to bond to the fabric more effectively. This helps to ensure a neat, professional finish that will last for a long time. Although it does not occur all the time, when it does, it can be extremely frustrating. Using liquid fabric softener can also cause the same problem, so you need to avoid doing so when prewashing your fabric. There is nothing wrong with using dryer sheets.
Steps For Appliqueing With Fusible Web
Step 1: Select an applique shape. If you are going to attempt applique for the first time, you should choose a simple shape to begin with. A square or rectangle to practice is a great way to start if you are a beginner, as there are no curves with these shapes.
Step 2: Trace the design onto the PAPER SIDE of the fusible web (not on the sticky side). It is essential that certain letters and other directional shapes in the design are mirrored if they are present. Some letters work fine not being mirrored, such as the letter A, which looks the same either way when it is flipped horizontally. However, the letter J, for instance, is a letter that needs to be mirrored in order to be correctly appliqued. Below is an image of the entire alphabet, mirrored, to help you determine which letters need to be mirrored.
Step 3: Cut around the drawing, leaving a few millimeters around it.
Step 4: Apply the fusible (glue, not paper) side of the fusible web to the BACK of the applique fabric and use an iron to fuse the applique fabric to the fusible side of the fusible web.
Step 5: Using the tracing line as a guide, cut the applique along it.
Step 6: The backing paper should now be removed, so your applique now has a transparent layer of heat-activated glue on the back.
Step 7: The background fabric (not the applique) should be pressed in order to eliminate any creases. You will need to place the background fabric face up, and then place the applique on top of it, which should also be face up. The fusible side of the fabric is now between the layers of the fabric. Press.
Step 8: Using either a blanket stitch, a satin stitch, or a zigzag stitch, stitch around the edges of the applique fabric.
In Summary…
Adding an applique is a fun way to express yourself as well as to personalize anything you sew. If you would like to take the applique to the next level and allow for even more creativity, you can stack and fuse multiple pieces right on top of each other – and then stitch each piece in place after they’ve been fused. Lovely!