Ready to start the Pretty Spool Project?
Good! I’m so happy you are adding another spool of thread to your vast collection.
Here you see the fabrics I used to create my Pretty Spool quilt top. These are my hand-dyed Rainbow Rich and Rainbow Medium fabrics and they contain all the colors needed to make the design. They are available pre-fused (by my little hands) as a kit. See the Pretty Spool Kit here.
You can also use your own fabrics. You’ll find a list of what you need on the Pretty Spool Tutorial page. As we make the project, I’ll be adding the directions to the Tutorial page. That way you can join at any time.
So let’s get started!
Please note: if you’re not using fabrics from my Pretty Spool Stitch Kit, be sure to wash your fabrics before starting Step #2. Commerical fabrics may have sizing or starch on the fabric that interferes with the fusible web bonding process. Washing the fabric removes the sizing.
Step #2 Fusing the Fabric
- If you’ve purchased the Pretty Spool Kit you are so lucky! Please skip to Step #3.
- Cut the fusible web slightly smaller than the fabric. (See suggested fusible webs in the materials list.)
- Place the fabric on the ironing surface then put the rough side or glue side of the paper on top. (If using Misty Fuse, place the web on the fabric and cover the web with parchment paper.)
- Transfer the fusible web to the fabric using a hot (cotton setting), dry iron.
- Glide the iron across the paper from edge to edge for about 5 seconds in each spot. Go to the edge and beyond!
Step #3 Silicone Release Paper
- Let the fabric and web cool 5 – 20 minutes before removing the paper.
- Before removing the paper from the fabrics, separate the fabric from the paper at one corner. Trim any non-fused fabric off by following the paper’s edge. Peel the paper off without ripping it. Save the paper for later use in pattern transfer.
- The paper you’ve just removed is called silicone release paper. It has a silicone coating and will be used to transfer pattern shapes to the fused fabrics.
- Parchment (or baking) paper is similar to release paper and can be used in place of release paper.
- Either side of silicone release paper or most parchment papers is usable for fusing. Please note, however, that on some versions of fusible web only the “shiny” side of the paper is usable as release paper.