Question:
Does anyone here do appliques? I've done a few and they've turned out fine, but I'm not sure if I'm doing them "right". I'm thinking that I might be using the wrong kind of fusible web, for starters.
Let's say I've got some Strawberry Shortcake fabric. Ideally, what I want to do (I think!) is cut one of the pictures of Strawberry Shortcake from the fabric, and iron it to the fusible web. Then I want to be able to cut it out from the webbing, and save it for later use. When I get ready to use it, I want to be able to plop her onto (say) a shirt, iron the applique to bond it to the shirt fabric, and then zig zag stitch the edges.
I can't do that with the fusible web I bought (or at least, I don't see any way to). I'm having to cut out Strawberry Shortcake, cut a matching piece of webbing, and then iron the whole shebang to the shirt, all in one step. Once it's ironed, it's bonded on both sides. I can't attach it to just one surface at a time. The webbing I've got is called "Stitch Witchery".
I've seen pre-made appliques for sale on eBay, so it seems that there's a way to pre-make them, but I'm at a loss as to what I need. I looked at Walmart, but all the interfacing/webbing looked the same to me.
Anybody have any ideas?
TIA!
Answer:
Iron big chunks of the webbing onto the fabric BEFORE cutting out the doll. Leave the backing paper on while you cut out the stuff you want. Don't remove the backing paper from the doll until you are ready to do the final press.
Actually you can sometimes do a tiny press with the tip of the iron to get it to stick temporarily if you need to try the item on or whatever. When you get the placement right, mark the spot with chalk or other tiny marks and peel and place and press...
ETA: If you are stitching the applique edges down after fusing be sure to get the regular weight fusible. NOT the heavy duty stuff, which makes everything stiff and hard (or impossible) to sew through.
Answer:
Ah ... apparently I do have the wrong kind of webbing, because mine doesn't have a paper backing. None of the ones I saw at Wally World did, either.
I'll get hubby to take me to the fabric store this week, or will see if I can find some online.
Thanks bunches!
ETA: If you are stitching the applique edges down after fusing be sure to get the regular weight fusible. NOT the heavy duty stuff, which makes everything stiff and hard (or impossible) to sew through. Okie dokie!
Answer:
Stitch witchery doesn't have a paper backing. This means you have to iron it to something right away. You want to look for a fusable that has a paper backing. Wonder Under is one brand although there are others.
That said, I don't know if it is wise to leave them half done for a long period. I have had trouble separating the paper in the past, so if I were you I would peel a corner loose before putting it away just in case.
Answer:
If you are using a fusible web that doesn't have a backing sheet, you can buy nonstick type release sheets that can be used over and over. Or reuse the paper ones that come with some fusible web.
ETA: What BlondeSense said ^up there^
I think you could pull off the paper as soon as it's completely cool and store them that way. Maybe with waxed paper or freezer paper between the layers if you are worried about heat.
Answer:
Originally Posted by BlondeSense Stitch witchery doesn't have a paper backing. This means you have to iron it to something right away. You want to look for a fusable that has a paper backing. Wonder Under is one brand although there are others.
That said, I don't know if it is wise to leave them half done for a long period. I have had trouble separating the paper in the past, so if I were you I would peel a corner loose before putting it away just in case. Y'all are geniuses! I can always find help here much faster than Googling.
I'll keep that in mind, about peeling a corner loose, or removing it completely. Thanks!
If you are using a fusible web that doesn't have a backing sheet, you can buy nonstick type release sheets that can be used over and over. Or reuse the paper ones that come with some fusible web. Cool! I didn't know about the release sheets.
ETA: I looked on eBay, and found some. Best of all, I'm pretty sure the seller is an here'n.
Answer:
http://www.equilter.com/cgi-bin/webc...05106022620.aa
http://www.equilter.com/cgi-bin/webc...05106022620.aa
2 different ones. The others I found ran about $20.00 (but they are larger, 18" x 20")
One source also mentioned that you can use parchment paper (the stuff you use for baking.) I think I'd try it first...on something not-too-precious!
Answer:
Wal-mart does carry Wonder under, it should be near the stitch witchery. If they are out of it, you might look for "heat n bond". Heat n bond comes packaged in a roll rather than on a bolt. It should be hanging near the notions. Like Elaine said, make sure to get the lightweight stuff.
Answer:
Originally Posted by BlondeSense That said, I don't know if it is wise to leave them half done for a long period. I have had trouble separating the paper in the past, so if I were you I would peel a corner loose before putting it away just in case. Good point.
You might also keep in mind that you don't have to do the FULL fuse for the first step. In other words, you don't really need the fusing to sink down into the fibers and the release paper; you just want enough 'stick' so things stay together while you cut and handle the applique. You do the full fuse on the last step, fusing fabric to fabric.
Answer:
Originally Posted by BlondeSense Wal-mart does carry Wonder under, it should be near the stitch witchery. If they are out of it, you might look for "heat n bond". Heat n bond comes packaged in a roll rather than on a bolt. It should be hanging near the notions. Like Elaine said, make sure to get the lightweight stuff. In our Walmarts in Illinois it's on the same wall/boards as the elastics and scissors and needles and thimbles. Or at least it was the last time I was there. Hanging about head height... Various sizes of rolls in packaging.