Have just been looking on the internet to see what is said about ironon interfacing. I am none the wiser as some say no steam (dry iron) and others say steam. I have been sewing for years and I am still not sure!!! What do other Cuties do? Sarah.

Thank you ladies - I have since used the one I bought and used steam. It has stuck perfectly. I can feel that it is a better quality.

Just don't be tempted to iron the interfacing before you cut out the pattern. You will find out if it is iron-on or not!

Some of the iron on interfacing is made up of the dots mentioned below in the first post and some are extruded and don't iron on as well since that process isn't as even. When I look for iron on interfacing I feel the side with the glue and try to get the one with the tiny dots. I've used both dry and steam and sometimes a pressing cloth. Here in the United States the interfacing is usually marked for light, medium, heavy type fabrics but I still feel for the glue side and how thick it feels for the fabric I'm using. With most things there are variables in texture and let the buyer beware of the quality.

1 comment

by airyfairy 03 Dec 2013

Thank you Anita. It has worked well. Just wish it was a little heavier.

I'm with Sue...start with a dry iron and if that doesn't work..steam, steam, steam...

How about starting with a dry iron, and, if that doesn't work, add some steam?

1 comment

by airyfairy 02 Dec 2013

Good idea Sue. Have just bought yet another couple of meters. It will probable bubble just looking at the iron!!!

I think it depends on manufacturer. Stitchwitchery needs steam, however HeatnBond uses a dry iron. I started way back when with stitchwitchery, and a wet cloth. Now I use a dry and its fine!

1 comment

by airyfairy 02 Dec 2013

Here in S. Africa we have no idea who the manufacturer is. Just large rolls, some good and some terrible. Thank you Christine for your help.

Hi Sarah
The iron-on interfacing we get here in SAfrica is of different qualities and therefore also of varying prices.. There is a 'flimsy' almost 'papery' sort with a lighter backing and the more substantial one with the 'material-type' backing. I find the latter bonds much better to the fabric and can also take a higher heat on application. The lighter weight one seems to easily come away from the fabric being used since it does not bond firmly. It is also inclined to make 'bubbles'. In both instances, a DRY heat is required. In a quilting demonstration it was suggested that the interfacing be applied by 'placing' the iron straight down section by section and not using an 'ironing' movement. Any the wiser Sarah? Patricia in Pretoria

1 comment

by airyfairy 02 Dec 2013

Thank you Patricia. I have just bought some this morning and the lady assures me that I can use either steam or dry.
I will see how it goes. Although paper the 'glue' seems to be in dots. If it is good I will go and buy a lot more. Sarah (Knysna)