How To Use Bondaweb
Imagine Bondaweb as the superhero of fabric glue, not your average, garden-variety adhesive. This bad boy is like double-sided sticky tape’s cooler, tougher cousin, ready to weld your fabrics together with the finesse of a seasoned blacksmith.
Let’s talk perks of Bondaweb, shall we?
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This wonder adhesive plays it cool, literally. It won’t get clingy until you bring the heat.
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Toss it in the wash at up to 60 degrees or give it a spa day with a dry clean. Bondaweb can handle it.
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Dreaming of flawless appliqué? Bondaweb’s got your back. But hey, if appliqué’s not your jam, we’ve got a Pinwheel project that might just tickle your fancy.
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Snip and clip those appliqué designs with the precision of a ninja, all thanks to Bondaweb’s stabilizing mojo.
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That backing paper? It’s not just for show. Sketch your heart out, trace like a pro, and plot your world domination in pencil.
Words of Wisdom Before You Dive In:
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Do a test run on some fabric scraps. Trust us, it’s better than a “whoops” moment on the real deal.
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Pay attention, folks. Misuse Bondaweb and you’ll have a sticky mess with your iron and ironing board.
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Your fabric needs to take the heat. If it can’t handle iron setting 3, it’s not the stage for Bondaweb’s talents.
Gather Your Arsenal:
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Bondaweb
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Cotton fabric
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Thread
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Pencil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- For appliqué: Trace or draw around your design onto the smooth side of the Bondaweb using a pencil.
Important Note: Trace as a mirror image or the finished design will end up the wrong way round.
2. For appliqué: Rough cut around each shape, leaving a small border.
3. Spread a smooth-surfaced tea towel/ spare length of cotton over an ironing board.
4. Lay the fabric wrong side up on the ironing board.
5. Place the Bondaweb on top of the fabric rough side down. For appliqué: align the object with the grain.
6. Lay a smooth-surfaced tea towel/ spare length of cotton over the top and press for roughly 5 seconds, heat setting 2, no steam.
Then wait at least 30 minutes for the Bondaweb to cool and the glue to set.
7. Cut out the shape/ fabric accurately, cutting small details is easier with fine scissors or a small rotary cutter and cutting mat.
8. Peel off the backing paper and position the shape/ fabric onto the mount/ backing fabric.
9. Place right side up on a covered ironing board. Lay a smooth surfaced tea towel/ spare length of cotton over the top.
10. Dampen the cover fabric using the iron’s spray setting and press for roughly 10 seconds, heat setting 3.
Allow at least 30 minutes for the Bondaweb to cool and the glue to set.
11. For Appliqué: Sew around the edge of the shape and around any cut out elements (for example the centre of letters), 2mm from the edge.
(Hand sewn blanket stitch or machine zig zag stitch overlapping the edge of the letter and the surrounding fabric can also be used (length 0.5 to 1, width 3 to 4 depending on the finish required).
Trouble Shooting Tips For Bondaweb
If you find things aren’t going as smoothly as you’d hoped with Bondaweb here are some trouble shooting tips that might help:
- The Sticky Situation: If Bondaweb isn’t adhering properly, it’s probably playing hard to get. Solution: Check your iron’s heat setting. Bondaweb likes it hot, but not too hot. Ensure it’s on the correct setting (usually medium or as the Bondaweb instructions specify). Give it a little more time under the iron, but don’t get too steamy; moisture is not our friend here.
- Paper Won’t Peel Off: So, the backing paper decided it’s too attached to leave? Solution: Let it cool down more. If it’s still being clingy, gently score the edge with a pin to get the peeling started. Sometimes, all it needs is a little nudge.
- Bubbles and Wrinkles: Ended up with a Bondaweb masterpiece that looks more like a prune? Solution: This is usually a sign of too much heat or too much enthusiasm with the iron. Next time, use a gentle touch and ensure even heat. To fix, gently reheat the area and smooth out the wrinkles with the back of a spoon or re-iron with a protective cloth.
- It Stuck to the Iron/Ironing Board: Oops, went a bit rogue and missed the protective layer? Solution: Unplug the iron and let it cool. For the iron, use a dedicated iron cleaner or a soft cloth with vinegar (once it’s cool, of course). For the ironing board, gently scrape off what you can and cover the area with a cloth when ironing in the future.
- Fabric Discoloration: Your fabric lost its glow-up after Bondawebbing? Solution: This can happen with too much heat or incompatible fabric. Always test on a scrap first. If disaster strikes, consider covering the spot with an appliqué or decorative element. Remember, it’s not a mistake; it’s a creative opportunity.
- The Fabric Won’t Stick Together: If your fabrics are social distancing despite the Bondaweb, Solution: Check if you’ve applied it to the correct side and that you’ve used enough heat. Some fabrics are more stubborn than a cat in a bath. If it’s still not sticking, double-check that your Bondaweb isn’t past its prime. Yes, even adhesives have a shelf life.
- Changed Your Mind? If you’ve bonded something and then decided it’s all wrong, Solution: Bondaweb is pretty much a ’til death do us part’ situation once it’s set. However, you can sometimes gently reheat and carefully separate the fabrics. Be warned, it’s a delicate operation and might not always work. Consider this a lesson in commitment.
Remember, crafting is about the journey, not just crossing the finish line. Every misstep is a step towards mastering your craft! Embrace the chaos, learn from the Bondaweb battles, and keep on creating…
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