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No Sew Sewing

Dateline: 10/06/99
No Sew Sewing - For Halloween and Other Purposes

Sewing is the art of joining fabric, usually with thread but do you know there are methods that don't require you to thread a needle. Today you can purchase a fusible alternative. These products join two layers of fabric together in a permanent or temporary form by melting between the two layers.
Halloween costumes are a great place to begin experimenting with fusible options and discover how many places you can use them in garment construction. Sites such as How To Make A Robe Without Even Sewing prove, it can be done.
Fusibles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, weights and forms. I recently made a crinkle fabric skirt. No matter what kind of stitch I used, I was not happy with the appearance of the hem. I finally used a fusible web strip which, holds the hem fast and eliminated any stitching showing.
Embellishing is a fusible heaven! Fusible webbing makes it possible to place an applique and have it stay put for stitching, fabric paint,or no other procedures at all. What a perfect way to add a pumpkin face to an orange sweat suit.
Always follow the manufacturers directions for any fusible product. To assure a good bond always, prewash the fabric you will be fusing. Many fabrics contain finishing products or sizing that will prevent a good bond. This is easily over come by simply prewashing the items.
Test the iron temperature on scrapes of fabric. This not only prevents scorching but also assures a good bond. For example, the crinkle skirt that I made was 50% polyester and 50% cotton. The polyester was easily melted and the crinkles in the fabric disappeared with a heavy handed iron. Although it took a few extra minutes to experiment, by barely holding the iron to the fabric, I was able to achieve a perfect hem.
Links to more fusible ideas!

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