Successful fusing is achieved when you use the correct combination of Pressure, Time and Temperature!
Instead of diving right in with your project pieces, use some scraps to determine how you will create that beautiful bond!
Use a notebook and take notes to record your testing and results.
How to test:
- Start with a 5" square of both your fashion fabric and the interfacing that will be used.
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Read the manufacturer's instructions for fusing.
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Set your iron at the setting recommended or if you can't find the instructions, start with your iron's wool setting.
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Use a damp pressing cloth* to protect your iron and your fabric. Steam from the press cloth helps the fusible adhesive penetrate the fashion fabric.
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Use a Teflon sheet or parchment paper under your samples to protect your ironing surface.
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For light to medium weight interfacing: Place the bumpy side of the interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric. Press from the smooth side of the interfacing.
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For heavy weight or foam interfacing, place the fabric OVER the foam (adhesive side up) and fuse in place using a damp* press cloth. Fuse each area for 10-15 seconds, overlapping your iron to avoid missing areas.
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Pressure: Maintain even firm pressure on your iron; if using foam, do not press so hard that you compress the foam!
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To avoid “heat shock” (looks like a bubbly surface), you can pre-heat the fabric then fuse.
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Keep in mind that you may need to follow up by fusing from the right side.
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Check the bond: Let the fabric cool. If the interfacing is not sticking, go back and increase temperature and try to fuse again. If you see that the adhesive is leaving a "greasy" mark on the fabric, dial back on the temperature.
Aren't you glad you did this test?
Happy Stitching!
-Kris
