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Member since 7/19/06
Posts: 69
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Posted on: 4/27/10 7:00 AM ET
I made a really cute handbag with medium-weight cotton, but the body of the bag has "bubbled" because of the fusible interfacing. It seems this happens with interfacing I use on a large area of fabric, but it doesn't happen with things like purse straps. I didn't pre-wash the interfacing, can you even do that with fusible? Would fusible fleece work better?

Thanks.
  
Member since 8/18/02
Posts: 1578
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Posted on: 4/27/10 11:32 AM ET
Hand wash fusible interfacing in hot water and hang to dry.
  
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Member since 4/8/07
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Re: Topic moved (posted on 4/27/10 12:40 PM ET)
This topic has been moved from Creative Sewing to Sewing Techniques and Tips
  
Member since 3/12/10
Posts: 1323
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Posted on: 4/27/10 2:26 PM ET
The best thing to do for interfacing is.... DO NOT RUB THE IRON AROUND. You have to hold the iron on one section for 10 seconds. You have to do this for the entire surface, Some use steam pressers instead of irons, Do not rub the iron around like you would normally do.

You have to put iron down on fabric, wait 10 seconds go to next area. Takes time but well worth it!

The reason your interfacing is bubbling cuz its not hot enuf, it didnt stick. You need to re heat it with your iron, Again do not rub around in circles.


-- Edited on 4/27/10 2:28 PM --
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Go Sew Something
  
Member since 9/18/02
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Posted on: 4/27/10 2:37 PM ET
You need moisture, heat, and pressure to really fuse interfacing well. Place the interfacing on the fabric. Spritz with water. Put a pressing cloth over it. Put the iron down and press down and hold for about 10 seconds.
-- Edited on 4/27/10 2:37 PM --
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Debbie
Viking Sapphire 930, Babylock Evolution
  
Member since 2/8/07
Posts: 599
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Posted on: 4/27/10 3:38 PM ET
The best tip I have about fusible interfacing is to lower your ironing board a notch or two so you are able to press down on the iron harder without it feeling like your arms are about to snap off.
-- Edited on 4/27/10 3:38 PM --
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Sew Much Fabric, Sew Little Time
  
Member since 7/19/06
Posts: 69
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Posted on: 4/28/10 6:50 AM ET
In reply to RockNRoll
I had the iron at its hottest, left it on each area for 10 seconds (or more) and it looked fine after I fused it. And I definitely did not rub the iron around, it was in one place - it took forever! But then once I started sewing the bag together is when it when it got all crinkly. It looks like there's wrinkled paper underneath the fabric.

I'm thinking about just skipping the interfacing altogether or maybe using sew-in. It takes too much time then ends up looking awful!



  
Member since 7/29/05
Posts: 717
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Posted on: 4/28/10 7:58 AM ET
In reply to kaneshansley
Yes, sew in might be the best way to go.
I have had this happen recently but to a less degree and only this once as I make bags regularly and know exactly how to press
correctly with a steam press. I believe it must be the fabric I worked with so maybe doing a test out with future fabrics is what you should do.

Is is a thin fabric you are working with? Mine was.
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Member since 9/18/02
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Posted on: 4/28/10 11:41 AM ET
Maybe the fabric had a coating on it that didn't allow the interfacing to fully fuse to the fibers. Many home dec fabrics haves some kind of teflon-like coating on them that gives them that nice sheen and water and stain repellency. Did you wash the cotton first?
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Debbie
Viking Sapphire 930, Babylock Evolution
  
Member since 3/12/10
Posts: 1323
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Posted on: 4/28/10 1:18 PM ET
i never had a problem with bubbling, did you iron the fabric first? make sure there were no threads on it or fuzzies?? maybe prewashing will work. I only use High Quality Cotton Like Michael Miller and Moda. Cheaper Cotton wont stick as well.


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