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Fusible Interfacing advice

user-105646 | Posted in General Discussion on

Help!

I’m working on a simple cotton skirt pattern.  I had interfaced the entire skirt with lightweight fusible interfacting.  My favorite kind was out of stock (yes, it was a Joanns) .  I pre washed cotton, used a spray of water when putting on the interfacing and did the 10 second heat thing.  The interfacing still buckled and wrinkled.  I took the interfacing off.  Question?  How do I get the residue of the glue off the fabric?

Thanks

 

Replies

  1. ixs | | #1

    To get the glue out, I might try pressing over the area with another piece of fabric on the glued area like a press cloth to try to get the glue to adhere to the 2nd piece of fabric, but don't press as long as you would to adhere the interfacing.

    Did you preshrink the interfacing; a must for me. Also, I don't think I ever spray, I apply the interacing EXACTLY THE WAY THE INSTRUCTIONS SAY TO.

    I sew a pouch of the plastic instructions and put the interfacing in it until I need it, AFTER I PRESHRINK IT. ALWAYS.

    I can't remember having too many recent problems with interfacing, but I usually buy name brand, woven, iron-on interfacing, but I used to have some problems, in my working life when I sewed for myself, but I've been sewing grandchildren clothing for about 12 years now more than clothes for me, but I know the clothing I have made for the grandgirls has been very serviceable and long wearing; the 14 month old was wearing a knit outfit with embroidery I made for her older sister, and it looked like new, except for the food stains from the food the little one had recently eaten. What a joy!!

  2. SewTruTerry | | #2

    Try using Goo Gone and squirting the fabric with it and then a little agitation the old fashion way (rubbing the fabric together) before laundering it again.  I think the reason you had it buckle like you said is that the interfacing was not preshrunk.  The easiest way I have found to do this is by holding the steam iron about an inch above the interfacing (with it in position like you will fuse it) and giving it a shot of  steam. You will probably see it start to curl a bit this is a sign that it is shrinking.  Then straighten the interfacing out and fuse according to the instructions.  I also make sure that I look at instructions for every product that I get especially if I run out of my usual and have to find another at the store.  Not all products are the same and it makes sense to check this out.

    1. user-105646 | | #3

      Thanks for your advice. I'll try it today. I had read that if you spritzed the interfacing before pressing it against the fabric the spritz would shrink the interfacing.  Apparently not in this case.

      1. Teaf5 | | #4

        If you can't get the residue off, maybe you can make a very lightweight lining for the skirt and wear it anyway.A side note is that interfacing usually has to be sandwiched within two layers of fabric, or it will dissolve upon wearing and washing. I once lined a costume piece with fusible interfacing because it was faster than lining or facing, but it began disintegrating within a few minutes of wearing it!

        1. user-105646 | | #5

          That's exactly the same reason I interfaced it.  Do  you think the lining will stick to any residue that doesn't wash out?

  3. solosmocker | | #6

    I, too always prewash all interfacings as soon as they come in the door. That way there is no mystery or rush. Shame on whoever told you to just spritz. I also lay it out on the garment piece and hold a heavily steaming iron about an inch up and you will see it shrink even more. Then I smooth it out and attach as per the sheet. Don't let this turn you from fusible interfacings.

    1. writelady | | #7

      How to you preshrink interfacing? I can't imagine puting in the washer! I am getting ready do a silk suit and a linen suit and I wanted to use the tricot interfacing to prevent wrinkling. Is this the right thing to do? I thought Sue Husseman or one of her guests suggested it, but I am not sure. Thanks for the information.

      1. katkween | | #8

        To pre-shrink fusible interfacing, I immerse it in a sink with warm water for about 5-10 minutes, gently squeeze out the water, then hang it over something to drip dry. I use tricot fusible interfacing instead of a woven or pellon fusible for everything. I like the way it adds body but remains supple.

        1. writelady | | #9

          Just to be sure, is this ok to do with iron interfacing?

          1. katkween | | #10

            Yes, make sure the water is just slightly warm so the fusing won't melt and don't wring out the water which will wrinkle the interfacing. Hope this helps!

      2. ixs | | #11

        I made a silk short suit some years ago and used iron-on interfacing without lining it, but now I know another way that you might think about. UNDERLINE IT. I am a firm proponent of underlining, and it also helps to prevent wrinkles, as I use it a lot, as I'm not great about lining garments. Sometimes, if I don't line a garment, I just line the sleeves, for ease of putting on and taking off the garment.

      3. solosmocker | | #12

        My technique is exactly like Katween's. Get in the habit of preshrinking it the minute it comes in the house. You will be glad you did.

  4. GorgeousThings | | #13

    Oh dear, what a mess! Let me tell you what I do, and you can decide if that will work for you. When applying a fusible interfacing, to prevent shrinkage, I first pre-shrink my interfacing, either using steam, or the London Shrink method. Then, when applying it, I place it on my fabric, and spritz it moderately using a spray bottle I got at the beauty supply store. Then I place a silk organza press cloth over it and press my iron (set on high) on it for between 15 and 20 seconds, depending on the fabric (15 for silk or synthetics, 20 for cotton, linen or wool). Remove the iron and let the piece cool on the ironing board.

    I've used this method for a long, long time, and I've not had any problem with buckling.
    HTH!
    Ann

    1. Tessmart | | #14

      I also use this technique and have great results with it.

      Tess

      1. mompea | | #15

        "London Shrink" method, that's a new one on me. What is it or how is it done?

        Curious minds want to know.

        Jackie

        1. Tessmart | | #16

          I really don't know what the "London Shrink" method is. I pre-shrink interfacing and the use organza with spray and a very hot iron. I don't get any bubble this way.

          "Gorgeous Things" , can you elaborate on the "London Shrink" is??

          Thank You

           

          1. GorgeousThings | | #18

            There is a great description of London Shrinking on page 67 of Issue 120 (August/September 2005). I soak the yardage in a hot tub of water which I let cool, Then I lay it on a sheet or towel, roll it up and let it dry. The method described in Issue 120 gives a little more detail, and it's perfect for wool or for interfacing.HTH!
            Ann

          2. Tessmart | | #19

            Thank You.  That is how I process pre-shrinking my fusable, just didn't know there was a term for it.

            Teri

        2. FitnessNut | | #17

          I have that information in one of my books. I'll post later, after I have a look, if someone hasn't answered your question. Its something to do with wrapping your fabric in a wet sheet, letting the moisture soak in and then drying the fabric. I've never done it.

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