AnnTheGran is Getting a Facelift!

Dear Friend, 2008 is going to be quite a year for me, and I hope it will be for you as well. My big news is that AnnTheGran is getting a complete facelift! No, I don't mean me -- I like myself the way I am (well, most days anyway) -- I mean my site! You see, as we've grown, some of my s... [More]

Personal Holiday Greeting from Ann (AnnTheGran) Cobb

In December, 1996, AnnTheGran's Design Exchange had been online for 2 months, and it was all very, very new. Our small community had shared a hundred or so designs and I sent the Christmas greeting you see on your right, created around my greatest blessings at the time.AnnTheGran, my Internet ni... [More]

Charity Project - Star Bunting with Polar Fleece Blanket

Every child is precious but sometimes the families of certain little ones face unique challenges. The charity FHCS (Faith Hope & Charity Stitches) has a very special way of sharing their love of sewing and embrodiery. The tiny buntings and quilts they make are a wonderful gift to those babies, k... [More]

Embroidered Shirt to Honor a Veteran’s Commitment

Each of our veterans is a true hero who has made a commitment to serve in times of war or peace. Our veterans deserve the full measure of our respect. This project was submitted by Sue Ellen Parker. Sue Ellen used her creative talents to show her loved one and others how proud she was of their dedic... [More]

Embroidered Greetings Cards

Our international trend continues this week with a project from Jean Isley in England. Growing up du [More]

Christmas Tree Skirt from Table Runners

To take a simple or plain idea and mold it into something personal and unique is always rewarding. Michelle Gauthier created a special Christmas tree skirt to become a focal point for holiday cheer in her home. Without spending a lot she gave of her time and love to bring special smiles to those aro... [More]

Simple Baby Quilt for Cold Northern Winters

Creating keepsakes for loved ones is such a joy for those who love to sew. With her simple blankets, Sue Kerlin shows us how she continues her love of giving to family even when life is too full for intricate details.Sue's Description:I picked this pattern of baby quilt because I am not a detail... [More]

A Little Treasure - Should I Or Shouldn't I?

  Hi, Folks,I'm in a bit of a quandary. When I set up this blog, I made it clear to the team here who help me get this to you that I really wanted the blog to focus on projects contributed by the AnnTheGran community. So far, you've all been great with that, and we've seen some gr... [More]

The Perfect Gift - Embroidered Wine Bottle Bags

Tuck a bottle of their favorite beverage inside a festive wrap - no wrapping paper required. Trisch Rosema's embroidered gifts of wine got rave reviews even though they were quick and easy. What a lovely hostess gift one of these custom wine bags would make! Or you could do as Trisch did and mak... [More]

Race Car Themed Quilt for "Big Boy Bed"

Every child's first birthday is exciting and every mother wants to create great memories of the event. This race car themed quilt was created by Gina Martinez to complete her son's graduation to a "Big Boy Bed" and give him a special birthday memory to cherish for years to come.Gen... [More]

Blown Away By Baby Blankets

This project was submitted by Kim Yunkun. I chose to post this one because it is simple but beautiful and any level of embroiderer can do it. Not everyone is an expert, but everyone can share the sense of pride that we all feel when we've accomplished something. Sometimes, when we've been do... [More]

Share Your Creations with our Community!

Our creations are like our babies! The amount of time and care we expend on a cherished project makes those products of our hands and our hearts feel pretty special.You are currently resting your eyes on my new blog. If you don't know what a blog is, don't worry about it. Neither did I until... [More]

Quick Project - Blackwork Placemats

We wanted to create a design collection that you could use to add some classic style to your project whether you are embroidering evening accessories, elegant linens or an heirloom piece. My Blackwork collection is a versatile set of ornamental designs, professionally digitized for beautiful results... [More]
One Tip for Perfect Applique

One Tip for Perfect Applique

Have you ever wondered why some applique projects look so much better than others? One reason may be that it is fused to the fabric underneath.

Temporary spray adhesives help hold fabrics and batting in place while we stitch them, but are not permanent and release over time. Fusibles attach to the applique fabric and hold it flat against the background fabric. The result is a smooth, flat finish that holds up over time.

Light-weight fusible web is ideal for machine embroidered applique. Fuse it to the back of your applique fabric before running your tack-down stitches. Tack it down, trim close to the stitch line, and fuse it in place before stitching the rest of the embroidery design.


Types of Fusible Web

Pellon 805 Wonder-Under is the original paper-backed fusible web. It bonds easily in mere seconds and fabric keeps a soft hand after fusing.




Another Pellon product, EZ-Steam II is a double-sided, pressure sensitive fusible with a paper backing. That gives you the versatility of moving the applique into another position until you have permanently fused the fabric. You can also get a Lite version.

Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 is ideal for use with lightweight fabrics and for creating multiple layered applique. The fusible is repositionable, sticking temporarily while you move it into place. When fused, it creates a soft permanent bond.

HeatnBond Lite is another paper backed, iron-on, double-sided adhesive for bonding fabric without extra weight or stiffness. You can draw or print directly on the paper backing to easily design applique pieces.

HeatnBond FeatherLite is great for multi-layer pieces, landscape quilts, and wearables since it gets even softer after laundering. 

Mistyfuse is an environmentally-friendly fusible. It is acid free and made in a green industrial park in the USA without solvents or harsh chemicals or sticky adhesives. The ultra-fine web stays soft and bonds without adding bulk or gumming up needles.

Try using fusible web with your applique projects and see what a difference it makes!

 

Debbie SewBlest

Please login to comment