Ask Penny Halgren

This is the question that was posed to Annie Smith, an expert in machine appliqué. Here is her answer:

We use a fusible web. I usually use either Wonder-Under or Steam-A-Seam Light. That’s not saying we use Steam-A-Seam 2. The difference between the two fusibles is that Steam-A-Seam has paper on one side, and fusible on the other side. It’s a very fine-weight fusible. Steam-A-Seam 2 has a little heavier weight fusible. It’s sticky on both sides and has paper on both sides. 

When we use a sheet of fusible, because it has paper on one side, we lay the fusible side down on top of the pattern that we’ll be tracing so we can draw our design. We then cut it out and fuse it to the back side of our fabric.

When you use Steam-A-Seam 2, you can’t always tell which of the two papers is the easy release paper because one of them adheres much stronger to one side than the other. Generally, we trace on the side that has the release paper that comes off really easy.

If that’s the case, you cut your appliqué shape out. When the paper comes off, it’s usually the part that you’ve drawn your design on. Where the fusible is, you have no shape or design. You have to retrace it over again.

You just never think about that when you start. Which is the right side of this paper, and which is the release paper? The release paper comes away very easily.

The other thing about Steam-A-Seam 2 is that it is so tacky and sticky that it will gum up your needle and thread.

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren
www.How-to-Quilt.com