Working with Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 Fusible Web January 05 2016 9 Comments
I was so excited when Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 by the Warm Company came back last year (and even better than ever) after being temporarily unavailable in the marketplace.
When I could no longer get Lite Steam-A-Seam 2, I tried other fusible webs. Having learned to do fusible appliqué with Steam-A-Seam, I struggled to use the other brands. Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 is unlike other fusible web. A tacky coating on both sides of the web allows it to temporarily stick to the appliqué material and temporarily adhere the appliqué to the project. The entire piece will stick in place and is repositionable until pressed with an iron. This allows you to play with your design and to ensure proper placement every time!
Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 is so easy to use:
TRACE AND TRIM:
Trace your shape on the grid side of the fusible web. If you want, you can now print directly on the grid side using an ink jet printer! Then cut around the shape leaving 1/4 to 1/2 inch of extra fusible web and paper all around the shape.
PEEL AND STICK:
Remove the plain paper on the back side of the fusible and stick it to the wrong side of the fabric. Quickly pass your dry iron securing the web to the fabric.
CUT:
Cut Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 and fabric together along the traced lines.
PEEL:
Peel off remaining paper liner (leaving web with fabric) and stick appliqué in place, repositioning as desired.
PRESS:
Press in your desired position. Don't worry about over heating...Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 can take the heat!
The resulting bond is strong and permanent. Also, when sewing, the fused appliqué will not gum up your needle. Did you know that the protective parchment paper liners can also be used as the perfect stabilizer? When finished, your piece can be machine washed and dried.
It’s no wonder why Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 is the #1 most loved brand of double stick fusible web on the market!
What are you waiting for?
Give Lite Steam-A-Seam 2 fusible web a try in your next appliqué project!
Comments
Julie on February 03 2021 at 02:17PM
When you say “the resulting bond is strong and permanent”, does this mean that the applique does not need to be stitched down? I would like to use appliques on a table runner, but don’t want to have to stich them down as well. However, I do want them to be permanent. So will Lite Steam-a-Seam 2 accomplish this?
Jasmine Turrubiate Aldrich on May 21 2020 at 01:06PM
Thank you for your information. Your comment that, “Did you know that the protective parchment paper liners can also be used as the perfect stabilizer?” – are you referring to machine embroidery? I save the larger scrapes of the protective parchment paper, – from Steam A Seam Lite 2 – in hopes I could use it somehow; so, I am excited to see how you use the larger scrapes of parchment paper!
Thank you very much for the effort and time you take to help all of the quilters and crafters out there who are working their art, and who want to minimize waste by repurposing it!!!
Warm Regards,
Jasmine
Lynn Bensy on April 08 2019 at 08:53AM
I just started using Steam a Seam 2 this year, and have ready all about the gumminess. So I have been extremely careful to follow the directions exactly! I think the gumminess is a result of not pressing enough, and not using steam. I have made 6 squares so far, and my needle has barely shown any residue. I place my pieces and press enough to hold them in place. Then I place a Teflon mat over the square and dry iron for 30 seconds over each section of the applique. Then I flip the square over and turn on the steam. I iron again with steam, on the back with no Teflon, for 30 seconds on each section of the applique. So far, no gumming.
bev on November 01 2018 at 07:33AM
I use alcohol wipes.. i"m a diabetic and always have them handy…
bev on December 26 2018 at 02:35PM
I use alcohol wipes.. i"m a diabetic and always have them handy…
Red Thread Studio on April 26 2018 at 03:17PM
Hi Deb – Of all of the fusible web that I have used, I have not found one that does not gum up. That said, Steam a Seam seems to have the least amount. When I get a build up on my needle, I take a paper towel or rag and use hand sanitizer to wipe down the needle. This seems to breakdown the glue and does not bother my needle or machine. If you do this, do take care not to get hand sanitizer on the moving parts of your machine.
Hope that helps.
Deb on April 26 2018 at 03:15PM
It gummed up my needle when fmq. Gummed up so bad that i had to keep stopping and cleaning the needle. Any suggestions on what to wipe the needle with? Love the product otherwise.
Wendy MacDonald on December 06 2017 at 09:26AM
I used lite steam a seam 2 and I want to sew down the Applique with my batting under it. I am finding my needle is gumming up frequently. Do you have any suggestions to prevent this? any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Jean on July 17 2017 at 03:36PM
I am doing stems using steam a seam 2, do I have to worry about bias? Thanks.