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How long do fusible interfacing last?
piakdy   Advanced Beginner UNITED KINGDOM Member since 8/6/11 Posts: 12	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/1/12 6:04 PM I got a bunch of fusible interfacing that are like 2 decades old. Does anyone know if fusibles have "use by" dates? Does the adhesive eventually degrade to the point where the interfacing is no longer usable? Would you risk your precious stash with old fusible interfacing?
Changma   Advanced Beginner NY USA Member since 2/20/12 Posts: 410	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/1/12 6:07 PM I don't know, but why not just try it on sample scraps?
CM_Sews Intermediate CA USA Member since 9/18/04 Posts: 1476	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/1/12 7:19 PM The adhesive does seem to degrade somewhat over the years. Old fusible in my stash (some of which may actually BE 2 decades old) does not "stick" as well. Part of my problem, however, is that I was buying whatever was available at my local Big Huge Sewing Chain Store, and I've discovered better products since then. Also keep in mind that adhesive technology has probably improved since the interfacing was originally manufactured, so even if the adhesive is in OK condition, newer products may have better adhesive. I do use this stuff in various craft and accessory projects, where perfect fusing isn't as critical to me. For example, I'll use "old" interfacing on a zippered pocket in a bag. The interfacing gives the zippered pocket some body, and if it doesn't stick perfectly, it's somewhere not especially visible and not critical to the look of the bag. I use a damp press cloth when applying this interfacing. If the adhesive requires moisture to activate, the steam from an iron is not enough, in my experience. Also, the steam from a damp press cloth provides more heat in general, and more even heat. This seems to give the old adhesive its best chance to activate well. CMC
LynnRowe   Advanced BC CANADA Member since 3/9/09 Posts: 6765	Login to reply to this post In reply to piakdy << Like this post Date: 8/1/12 9:44 PM Cut some 3" fabric squares from whatever fabrics you plan to interface. Take a couple squares and cut them in half diagonally each way to make 4 triangles from each square. Cut some interfacing squares slightly less than 3x3" (approximately). Place a little fabric triangle on top of each fabric square, so the point of the triangle is above the fabric square far enough for you to hold it and use as a pull-tab. Fuse your interfacing squares onto the fabric squares, going over top of the triangle tabs as well. Let cool, then pull a tab. If the interfacing doesn't hold, fuse slightly longer; pull tab again; if it still isn't holding, try more pressure, heat, moisture etc. Do same with each fabric type. Those that hold well, and look good, should be useable. I do the above test to check my matching of interfacing to fabric whenever I use fusible interfacings, regardless of the age of the interfacing. Otherwise keep the old stuff for little items that need interfacings or for craft items, and shop for new. ------ I heart Panzy, Pfaff Creative Performance, the sewing machine love of my life! And Rupert (Pfaff 2023), Baby (BL Enlighten), Victor (BLCS), Ash (Bernina 350SE), Pal (Bernina 530), Kee (Bernina 750) and the Featherteen Flock! Most of all, I heart Woo (HimmyCat). Until we meet again, my beautiful little boy. I love you.
Member since 12/31/69	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/1/12 10:00 PM That old, I fuse and sew it in. My experience is that it won't stick for many washings, and you can treat it like a sew in and it will. (Clear as mud?)
CM_Sews Intermediate CA USA Member since 9/18/04 Posts: 1476	Login to reply to this post In reply to 0 << Like this post Date: 8/1/12 10:17 PM Yes, this has also been my experience with some of my old fusible interfacing - that when the adhesive fails, it will be sew-in interfacing, so I should use it like sew-in interfacing. Fusing it during construction (even if the glue fails later) is just a convenience while sewing the garment/project. CMC -- Edited on 8/1/12 10:51 PM --

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