Applique Tip #1 - Fusible Backing
If you are going to do applique you have to find a fusible backing that works well for your projects. I have chosen to use Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 for my projects. There are a number of reasons why I like the product for my applique. The first reason I like it is it has a one-inch grid printed on it so that it is easy to cut pieces the right size for each piece of applique you are going to cut. It comes in two different size rolls, one that is 12 inches wide and one that is 18 inches wide. I like the 18" roll the best. The box has 25 yards which will allow you to make quite a few quilts.
The lite version of the product provides a less stiff finished product than some of the other fusible backings.
The other great benefit of steam a seam 2 is that it has a sticky backing on both sides. This is very helpful when you are trying to place the cut piece onto your project. Some of the other fusible are slick and are always sliding a little bit as you layer different pieces. With these slick backings, you have to be careful not to allow the pieces to shift as you start to press the pieces down. Watch for other tips that will also help you be successful in layering your fabrics.
We have dedicated an old iron that is the applique iron. Inevitably, it seems like you end up getting some of the sticky onto your iron. We were always having to figure out how to clean it and get the iron perfect again, so while I don't try and get any sticky on the iron, it is easier to have one iron just for that purpose.
Watch for more tips on using this product in future weeks when we look at specific methods.
The lite version of the product provides a less stiff finished product than some of the other fusible backings.
The other great benefit of steam a seam 2 is that it has a sticky backing on both sides. This is very helpful when you are trying to place the cut piece onto your project. Some of the other fusible are slick and are always sliding a little bit as you layer different pieces. With these slick backings, you have to be careful not to allow the pieces to shift as you start to press the pieces down. Watch for other tips that will also help you be successful in layering your fabrics.
We have dedicated an old iron that is the applique iron. Inevitably, it seems like you end up getting some of the sticky onto your iron. We were always having to figure out how to clean it and get the iron perfect again, so while I don't try and get any sticky on the iron, it is easier to have one iron just for that purpose.
Watch for more tips on using this product in future weeks when we look at specific methods.
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