 Quilting
might be your only creative passion, or just one of many fibers arts you
enjoy. In either case, you've probably come across a project that would
benefit from the ease and convenience of fusible products to add
strength, stability, or shaping that lasts over time. Handbags, wall
hangings, fabric bowls and vases, placemats and runners, small
accessories and other projects will look and feel more professional when
you know the basics of working with fusibles.
Interfacings are generally divided into two categories: sew-in and
fusible (iron-on). Because fusibles are actually bonded to the fabric
when the heat of a household iron is applied, they form a single layer
that gives the fabric a firmer hand compared to the same fabric with a
sew-in stabilizer.
Also, there are different types of interfacing construction: knit,
woven and nonwoven. Knit interfacings give the softest, most flexible
hand; wovens offer a firmer, more durable result. Both of these can do
double-duty as a lining, providing a smooth surface on the inside of the
project. Nonwovens are available in a variety of weights, from paper
thin stabilizers to ¼"-thick fusible fleece to ultra firm
double-sided fusibles, like Timtex®.
Stabilize your project according to its end use and your fabric
choice. Will it be machine washable, hand washable or dry clean only?
Should it be a softer, less structured style (great to pack inside
luggage for vacations), or be firm enough to stand up on its own? Should
the surface be flat or plush?
Since fusible stabilizers are meant to bond permanently to the
fabric, it's important to first TEST FUSE a sample of the interfacing
and fabric according to the fusible instructions, to see whether the
resulting effect is what you want. |
- Begin with the steam iron on the "wool" setting.
Position the test interfacing over the test fabric and apply steam
only for about five seconds to preshrink both layers. Then apply
firm pressure in the iron to fuse the layers together, holding the
iron in one position for about 7-10 seconds.
- Lift and reposition the iron, repeating until the entire surface
has been fused. Check for complete adhesion, and repeat if the
layers are not fully bonded together. Also check the sample for any
bubbling, puckers or other problems. (If these appear, lower the
iron setting and test the interfacing again.) The face of the fabric
should be smooth.
- Handle the sample, checking for the right amount of firmness and
support. In some cases, you can fuse a second layer of interfacing
directly over the first for ultra support-again, test for results
before working on the actual project.
- On some thicker fabrics, it's also helpful to fuse from the fabric
side (except for velvet and other raised pile fabrics). Cover the
fabric with a press cloth to protect it from excessive heat, scorch
marks, and stains from leftover fusible resins (glues)
|
