I’ve been doing a lot more applique with fusible adhesive lately (now that I’ve discovered some products I really like) and I’ve been getting requests for some more tutorials for it.
Ask and you shall receive.
I’ve already got a basic applique with fusible adhesive video here, but it only shows fusing down one piece – not the multiple pieces and layers you often use for cute quilt blocks. Do watch it, though, if you want tips on outlining your applique pieces with zigzag or satin stitch.
I’ve got a non-video step-by-step tutorial here. That has all the steps I’m going to demo in this video – just not in video format. I’ve had some requests for a video, so here it is. . .
See how easy it is and why I’ve grown to love it so much?
In the video I said I’d share a photo of the finished block – nice and big so you can zoom in close. Here it is – just click on it if you want to see it even bigger.
Find the Chirp bird quilt pattern here.
Here are links to all the posts showing how to applique with fusible adhesive – my favorite method. It’s fast and easy and (with the right materials) it holds up beautifully to rough use and repeated washing.
- How to Applique with Fusible Adhesive – a very basic intro
- How Durable is Applique with Fusible Adhesive?
- Fusible Applique the Easy Way – the way I currently work – use with any of my patterns that include SVG files
- How to Use a Light Box to Layer Your Applique – perfect placement every time
- How to Applique with Fusible Adhesive – photo tutorial – use with any of my patterns that do not include SVG files
- How to Applique with Fusible Adhesive – video tutorial – use with any of my patterns that do not include SVG files
Here are links to special posts about eyes.
- Easy Eye Options for Applique
- Using Fabric Markers and Paints for Small Eyes
- Free Embroidery Machine Files for Machine-Stitched Eyes
- How to Machine Stitch Eyes without an Embroidery Machine
- How to Minimize Show-Through on White Eyes
- How to Applique Dark Eyes on Dark Faces
- How to Add Catchlights to Eyes
Here are links to some extra fun things you can do with your applique.
- How to Add a Baby Animal to Any Block
- How to Squish Two Animals into One Block
- How to Add Playful 3D Bits to Your Applique
- How to Add Soft 3D Pieces to your Quilt Block
- How to Add a Door (that Opens!) to Your Quilt Block
- How to Give Your Monster an Underbite
- Fake Trapunto (Stuffed) Applique
- Broderie Perse Applique
Other Applique Methods
Finished with this topic?
Return to the Let’s Make a Quilt main Table of Contents.
Move on to the lessons about outline stitching.
Happy quilting!
Wendi, I’m so glad I found your website. Your the best!
Thanks so much! 🙂
What brand of fusible web do you use?
I use Heat & Bond Lite. https://shop.shinyhappyworld.com/collections/tools-supplies/products/ink-jet-printable-fusible-web
Thanks Wendi – I am delighted to find this Website. You have given me the courage to applique the quilt the project that I have been wanting to do. You are a GREAT instructor!
Thanks so much! 🙂
I found your website when I ran into some difficulty while trying to put appliqués on a piece of fabric while making a quilt. I watched your video and started over because your method was so easy to understand and it looked so good. I have learned so much from your videos because you are a great teacher and I like your style. Thank you for your great website – I look forward to watching all the videos and getting inspired by your projects! Vicky
Thanks so much! I’m glad it was helpful. 🙂
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I am new to appliqué and I was wondering if you prewash your fabrics for the appliqué?
Yes – always. And don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets in the wash. They can sometimes repel the adhesives, just like the original sizing applied by the manufacturer can.
Ty Wendy! I have found that you explain things in quilting the best so far!! Ty for all ya do!!!!! I bought Pellon 805, do you like that one for fusible ??
I’ve actually had trouble a couple of times with the paper not peeling off the Pellon. 🙁 I use Heat & Bond instead and have never had problems with that. Hopefully the Pellon you bought is from one of the good batches. 🙂
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Hello…thanks so much for your video tutorial. I am new to appliques and quilting for that matter. I just completed a first project, a table runner that is appliqued and all the pieces satin stitched around each applique. My question to you is this, if you use a straight stitch on the appliques, how does that affect wearability? I want to do a baby quilt with appliqued animals, and wondered if I do the straight stitch, how the raw, stitched edges will wash and wear…will they fray at all?
I’ve found that I have no problems with fraying when I use the Heat-n-Bond Lite. I wrote a post about it with more details, showing pictures of one of my daughter’s quilts that’s been washed and dried MANY times. You can find it here.
Thank you so much…I do plan on using all good quality fabrics, so now I think I will try a straight stitch for this project!
All of your patterns are always fun and so happy. I love them all and it’s impossible to pock a favorite. It’s like a little gift when I get a new email from you. I know there will be fun, a lot of whimsy, and encouragement also. I love the felted wool. It’s great. I buy it to use but it’s so beautiful I hate to cut it. Thank you for sharing your creativity …….
Thanks so much! 🙂
Your website is amazing. I have learned so much. I am also watching your YouTube channel, thank you for all of your helpful videos.
I’m so glad they’ve been helpful. 🙂
I love your website Wendy!
I’m wondering above fraying after many washing since the actual edges aren’t sewn. Does the adhesive hold so well that fraying isn’t an issue.
I show one of my quilts after about 1 1/2 years (with many MANY trips through the washer and dryer) here. https://www.shinyhappyworld.com/2015/10/how-durable-is-applique-with-fusible-adhesive.html
Wendi, Like so many others, I VERY MUCH appreciate how you share your wisdom as well as the depth of what you share. Thank you for covering so many bases.
My question is this: can you (or have you already) speak to the process of transferring the pattern to the Heat ‘n Bond. Most specifically, I’m in the market for purchasing a printer, and from what I see on the internet, most folks prompt using an INKJET printer for this application. Some have even said the cheaper the printer the better. Do you have any wisdom on the type, suggested brands to get (or avoid) and / or what to watch for in the process of purchase selection? I value your insights.
Thanks again for your wealth of knowledge and the way in which you instruct, encourage and enthuse those of us who follow you.
You do need to use an inkjet printer to print on the Heat & Bond. The adhesive is heat activated and a laser printer can get very hot – you do NOT want the adhesive activated while it’s rolling through your printer. I have a fairly pricey HP Deskjet printer that stopped working well. I’ve removed the color cartridges and just print with black ink and for that it works just fine. You really don’t need high quality printing for this – so a cheap printer is a good choice. Once thing I can’t do with mine is stack sheets. They tend to cling together so I have to feed them in one sheet at a time. You might want to post your question to the Shiny Happy People group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/854216274691588/ That’s a great way to get feedback about a number of different printer brands and models.
How can I get permission to applique this cute bird on a t shirt to sell in my Etsy shop? I’m so glad I found you on YouTube. Your videos are great!
You can sell anything you make with any of my patterns. 🙂
Excellent teacher!!!!!
What is your working table made of? Loved looking out the window at the snow in one of your demos. The fabric is so cute on your table/ironing board?
That fabric isn’t available anymore, but there’s a tutorial here showing how to you make the ironing board. It’s an Ikea hack and it’s the best ironing board ever! https://www.shinyhappyworld.com/2013/11/awesomely-huge-ironing-board-ikea-hack.html
Thanks. Another question: For this tutorial didyou use the Sulky washable adhesive ?
No – this uses the fusible adhesive. It’s very different – the biggest difference is that it’s permanent. The Sulky Sticky Fabri-solvy is for temporary stabilization and pattern transfer.
Wendi, I ADORE your designs and work. It is awesome, in fact your applique is exactly what has inspired me to use applique in my creations for my kids. You have created an amazing resource here, I am absolutely thrilled to have stumbled upon it! At present your free courses suit my current knowledge and skills, but I do hope to support your venture in the future. It is inviting, well organized, with plenty of media. Simply brilliant! Thank you!!
I LOVE THE BIRDS….HAZEL is so CUTE……LOVE THESE
Does the fusible appliqué method hold up through the frequent washing of a baby quilt? The edges won’t lift or fray?
I haven’t had any problems with mine fraying. I wrote a post here about the durability. https://www.shinyhappyworld.com/2015/10/how-durable-is-applique-with-fusible-adhesive.html It’s important that you use the right weight adhesive and follow the package instructions. Fusing at too low temps or not long enough can result in fraying. Also – don’t dry it on a super hot setting. That will re-melt the adhesive and it can lift up.
Do you have to sow edge
stitch around all appliqués?
I am using fusible interface as my backing to attach them to cover.
My appliqués are quite small and go on a sowing machine cover. They look great as they are and am thinking that sowing around them will over shadow them.
Thank you.
PB
It depends on the fusible adhesive you used. Some are designed not to sew, and some require sewing to hold up in the wash. The package will tell you.
I have been having trouble with my needle getting gummed up from the adhesive and pulling little bits of the batting up to the top, making the stitching look fuzzy. I’m using Heat & Bond Lite. This only started happening when I made some blocks with the pre-cut printable sheets. The previous blocks, that I didn’t have any trouble with, were made with Heat & Bond Lite from a bolt. I did notice the pre-cut sheets seemed more moist or gummy than the bolt. I’m going to try some Schmetz Super Non-stick needles on my next quilt to, hopefully, avoid the issue in the future. Has anyone else had a problem with the needle gumming up?
Don’t the edges of these gorgeous cotton prints begin to fray?!?
Not nearly as much as you’d think! I’ve got a post here that shows a quilt after many washes. https://www.shinyhappyworld.com/2015/10/how-durable-is-applique-with-fusible-adhesive.html
Great to find your blog. It’s very informative. I love the designs.
Hi
How do I put the adhesive on the back of the pattern pieces?
I’d have to print these out at my local library as I have no way to do it at home. Thank you!
You iron it on. You need to get paper-backed fusible adhesive. I love Heat & Bond Lite and use it in all my quilts.
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