Fusible Batting or Fusible Wadding/Fusible Fleece as it is commonly called in the UK is a type of wadding that has been treated with a heat-activated adhesive on one or both sides. This adhesive can be activated by ironing, allowing the wadding to be fused directly to your fabrics during the construction process of either your quilt or garment.
Why Use Fusible Fleece?
There are several benefits to using this fusible option in your projects:
- Ease of use: Fusible wadding can be easily fused to the fabric using an iron, eliminating the need for pins or basting/tacking. This makes it a convenient option for quilters who want to save time and effort. From a garment perspective, it will stop movement during the construction phase of the item.
- Improved stability: By fusing the wadding to the fabric, you can improve the stability of your quilt sandwich, reducing the risk of shifting or bunching during quilting. This can result in a more even, professional-looking finished product. This applies in exactly the same way if used in a garment.
- Reduced loft: Fusible waddings tend to have less loft than traditional options, which can be advantageous in certain projects. For example, it can help to reduce bulk in projects that require a flatter finish (e.g. wall hangings), or in projects where the wadding needs to fit in a tight space.
- Washability: Fusible options are typically designed to withstand repeated washings without coming apart or losing shape they also pass these characteristics to the project itself. This can be important in items that will be used or displayed frequently.
Fusible Batting, Wadding or Fleece?
So which ‘term’ is it? Well, confusingly all three terms are used pretty much interchangeably!
The Batting/Wadding terms are purely the US v UK version of the same item (the warm element that is sandwiched between the quilt top and quilt back).
The Fleece ‘name’ emerged as adhesive weddings (as mentioned above) tend to be lower in loft – heading more to be like a fleece than what we would traditionally look at and instinctively call a wadding.
Essentially all three; Fusible Batting, Fusible Wadding & Fusible Fleece are the same item and feature the characteristics mentioned above.
Where To Find Fusible Fleeces?
Head to our dedicated Fusible Fleece Category Here for a variety of options from leading brands including Bosal, Vlieseline (Vilene) & Warm Company.
Any Other Questions?
I hope the above is of help. If you have any questions at all then please don’t hesitate to Contact Us at Empress HQ. We pride ourselves on offering a huge selection of all sewing notions and fabics and would be delighted to help with any queries on anything from the range!
