Help…has anyone any experience appliqueing stretch fabrics ie., lycra and stretch mesh?
My questions are…..
Should I stabilize then stitch?
I am not sure what to use to assist the stabilization of the top piece of lycra while I stitch it to the bottom piece.
or
Should I fuse the fabrics together?
Would be better to just fuse the two pieces of fabric together with a double sided fusible interfacing…ie Steam-A-Seam 2, Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 or Wonder Under.
I am anxious to hear if anybody is as crazy as I am in wanting to do this. I am sure that this can be done…but how?
Replies
Lycra to Lycra... hmmmmmmmm.... I wouldn't fuse them unless you've got a stretchy fusing material, the stretch will probably cause the fusing to pop and create bubbles. I would use a stretch stitch around the application and if it would add to the design some stretch stitching to enhance the look of your design. I wouldn't fuse on stretch.
Goog luck with your proejct, Alice
I would not recommend fusibles on Lycra as the temps needed to get a proper fuse would break down the Lycra very quickly if not then the material could actually melt. Rather than using a fusible I think that I would stabilize the top fabric with a temporary fusible like freezer paper and then baste down the applique by hand to make sure that you have it positioned properly and then do a narrow zig zag to secure it all. I would also recommend that you make sure that both fabrics have the greatest stretch both going in the same direction. Then just trim close to the stitching as most Lycra fabric don't ravel a great deal, but if yours does then go over the edge with a wider zig zag but not a satin stitch. Let us know how it works out and send pics if you can.
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