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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: EmaCon
Date: 12-14-2006, 08:38 AM (1 of 17)
Hello everybody,

I have a basic problem with fusible interfacing. I can't get it to stick to the fabric. I follow the package directions, use a damp press cloth (how wet is it actually supposed to be?), try to "press" rather than iron. I'm sure I'm putting the coated side down on the fabric. Any suggestions?
User: EmaCon
Member since: 07-28-2006
Total posts: 67
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-14-2006, 08:54 AM (2 of 17)
What kind of fabric? How hot is your iron?
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: EmaCon
Date: 12-14-2006, 02:32 PM (3 of 17)
I was using lightweight denim and had the iron set between wool and cotton. I was using Pellon fusible interfacing for light to medium weight fabrics.
User: EmaCon
Member since: 07-28-2006
Total posts: 67
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-14-2006, 03:45 PM (4 of 17)
Seems like the iron should be hot enough.
Do you press it down and count to .........say 10?
Maybe you got a bad piece
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: EmaCon
Date: 12-14-2006, 04:55 PM (5 of 17)
I'm going to try holding it a little longer at the iron temperature I've been using and I'm going to try at a higher temp as well (cotton). I may have been afraid of overdoing it, so maybe I've been underdoing as a result.

I won't get back to it for a few days but I'll let you know how it's going. Thanks.
User: EmaCon
Member since: 07-28-2006
Total posts: 67
From: paroper
Date: 12-14-2006, 06:35 PM (6 of 17)
It depends on the brand but many tell you NOT to use steam or water to help set the interfacing.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: sewingrandma
Date: 12-15-2006, 10:23 AM (7 of 17)
I bought some not long ago out of the bargin bin, still on the bolt so I know it wasn't an off brand. I think I discovered why it was in the bargin bin. It won't fuse no matter what trick I try. Maybe if you've followed all the directions and tips given here and it still doesn't fuse, maybe it is like what I got, a dud as far as fusing.
Brockie
User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003
Total posts: 432
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-15-2006, 11:27 AM (8 of 17)
I guess I've always been lucky, but I have always bought that fusible in the pre-packaged notions dept.. Comes in white and black only.. I have never had a failure with it.. Marked for medium and lightweight fabrics.. I have bought special for other fabrics..I have not used steam for the pre-packaged stuff.. Directions say dry iron..
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-15-2006, 12:21 PM (9 of 17)
I usually give it a shot of steam to shrink it then press it down with a dry iron -- often without a press cloth.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: bridesmom
Date: 12-15-2006, 10:38 PM (10 of 17)
Well, you can always use it for embroidery stabilizer or appliques.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004
Total posts: 2026
From: paroper
Date: 12-15-2006, 10:43 PM (11 of 17)
Don't use it as hooped stabilizer. You can always use it as sewn in interfacing. Stabilizer is a totally different breed of cat. It is meant to keep the fabric from moving and giving...and interfacing is meant to give body to a garment on a human form so it gives and moves...stabilizer for embroidery does not do either. Also, if interfacing is properly hooped it will shread...don't ask me how I know..I don't want to admit it...but I did have a reason for trying it..we're not even mentioning how the needle bounced off the interfacing and left loops in the project and how all the lines were off because of the pucker from the non-stable interfacing......and........

On the other hand, if you are using it for hand embroidery, then that is a little bit different. If you want your machine embellishments to pucker, you can also use it there.

Ok, breathe in, breathe out...my soap box for today...sorry....
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: EmaCon
Date: 12-17-2006, 04:11 AM (12 of 17)
Thank you one and all.

I made the iron hotter, got the press cloth wetter and held it down for longer. I'm not sure which was the deciding factor but it's sticking!
User: EmaCon
Member since: 07-28-2006
Total posts: 67
From: Dee Dee Warren
Date: 12-25-2006, 01:14 PM (13 of 17)
Are you supposed to use a pressing cloth on interfacing?
Xena the Sewing Princess ~ I have many skills
User: Dee Dee Warren
Member since: 04-25-2006
Total posts: 49
From: mozeyrn
Date: 12-25-2006, 03:28 PM (14 of 17)
I used to not use a pressing cloth for setting fusible interfacing but after I scorched a gift for someone (was using fusible fleece at the time) I always use one now.
- Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!!
Kenmore 16231000
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005
Total posts: 349
From: DorothyL
Date: 12-26-2006, 08:03 AM (15 of 17)
I don't. Occasionally I wish I had. By then it's too late.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: plrlegal
Date: 12-26-2006, 01:32 PM (16 of 17)
Using a pressing cloth depends on what type of fabric I'm fusing the interfacing to. I would definitely use it on fleece as fleece will melt and stick to your iron and it is harder than old billy *&*& to get off. Ask me how I know!! :bluesad:

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: AllieM
Date: 01-10-2007, 01:19 PM (17 of 17)
I use the shot of steam technique as well. It works for me using heavy weight interfacing for handbags.
Allie
User: AllieM
Member since: 05-29-2006
Total posts: 7
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