Fusible Web to Stabilize
Because I use heavy thread work on my quilt tops, it’s very easy for the quilt top or backing to shift and buckle under the needle. For years I would rip out my thread to correct this issues. Then I was introduced to the use of lightweight fusible web to stabilize the back and the top to the batting. I use this technique for all art quilts that will be hung on the wall.
My preferred fusible web is
Wonder Under Fusible Web which I purchase from
Joann.com
online. It’s 18″ wide and I purchase it by the 35 yard bolt. Joann’s usually offers free shipping and discount coupons so I can usually get a good deal!
First I iron my quilt top completely flat to get out all the bumps. Then I iron the fusible web to the back side of the quilt top. I’m very careful to ensure that that the fusible web pieces are carefully aligned to cover the entire quilt top. I prefer to not place the fusible web edges straight down the center. I then iron the fusible to the quilt top.
I then carefully remove the paper from the fusible and lay the fusible side of the quilt top against a flat piece of batting. I iron the quilt top to the batting starting in the center and working my way out to the edges. I usually work on a large table to ensure I don’t fuse gaps and buckles into the top!
I then follow the same process for the quilt backing. First I iron the fusible to the backing fabric, then iron the backing to the other side of the batting. Since the fusible web is lightweight, you will barely notice it in the final piece. Your piece will lay flat against the wall and hang beautifully!
This process holds the entire piece together and allows me to go crazy with thread work all over the piece without fear that I will have ripples and buckles of fabric on the back or front. I’ve also saved all that time where I don’t have to baste everything together!
October 26th, 2009 at 12:23 pm
I am just now reading about how you use the web on your wall hangings. I love the idea and also that you don’t have to baste or pin to quilt. The type of fuse/web that I have used is quite heavy and still sticky when I do applique thru it and also shows the seams of any piecing done underneath the applique piece when ironed on. I am now hesitant to quilt thru it with my machine as I can, 1)see the “indents” of the seam lines underneath (these are pumpkins over a picket fence) and 2) because it was so sticky going thru with my hand needle. Do you find this with the product you use, or is it lighter and doesn’t show the seams from under or is not sort of sticky? Thank you if you can be of help.
October 26th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Wendy, I use a very lightweight fusible web. My goal with the fusible web is to simply “hold it all together” which I’m stitching and that doesn’t require a heavy bond.
Heavier weight fusible web might cause “indents” you are seeing because it is providing a heavier, stickier bond. I don’t see these bumps with the light weight fusible web.
June 19th, 2010 at 9:13 am
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I HATE basting, because it kills my back, so this is a great gift. I think I will still tape the top to a table to keep it stable, and then iron the fusible web on – but not having to pin or baste is wonderful.
By the way, for Wendy, I’ve never been able to hand stitch through any fusible, but Laura Wasilowski does it beautifully. The secret must be in the needle, and good finger muscle strength.