Message Boards

Bought Steam-A-Seam 2 today for the first time. I've been doing some fusible applique. After using this stuff, my needle is all gummed up and the machine is skipping stitches.

I decided to read the directions AFTER I started having problems. It says to use steam when pressing, which I did not. Do you think that pressing with steam will take care of the sticky problem? Or, should I completely start over with a different product. I'm so bummed!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Will Quilt for Chocolate,

I don't think I have ever had a problem with it. You can clean off the needle with alcohol. The wipes work real well.

Think I usually use the Steam a Seam Lite.

I'd give it another try with the steam. Good luck.

I don't remember having problems with Steam a Seam 2...but have had with others. I always have steam in my iron, so maybe that is the problem. Hope you get it solved and let us know!!!

Wonder if the sticky doesn't get melted enough without the steam. Only thing I remember from chemistry is that steam is 7 X hotter than boiling water...

I'd adhere it first using their directions. I've had the same problem in the past because they make it to stay sticky so it can be moved a bit.

If you get the fusible on your iron, run your hot iron over a dryer sheet. It will remove the glue from the iron. Dryer sheet can be used several times. Alcohol will remove the sticky from the needle. I've heard that silicon spray will keep the needle free from gumming up. I have not tried it so I don't know for sure if it works...maybe someone eles here has triedit

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Quilts"R"Fun,

I will try using steam tomorrow night. I have to work during the day. I can only get about two inches before the needle gets gummed up. I hope the steam will work! I'm not sure that I have the patience to finish these otherwise!

I'm thinking of joining a local art league and these were going to be my first submissions. I really wanted them to be perfect!

I use Steam-a-Seam Lite 2 and have never had any problems with gummy needles. Hope you can figure out what the problem is and get it solved.

Wow! Those are wonderful! That submission should get you into the art league.

I use Steam-a-Seam Lite or 2 and haven't had the needle sticky problem (iron - that's another story)and I don't always use steam when applying it.

I forgot to say that I don't use steam at any time. If I need dampness, I use a spray bottle or Best Press.

Don't forget the pressing cloth or parchment paper to keep from gunking up the iron.

It could be a bad batch of SAS-2...I never use steam in my irons and use SAS-2 Lite all the time..I've used the reg in the past and they are both good products. Try the steam,a cotton setting on the iron and see what happens...I'm more inclined to think its a bad batch.Do you per chance have a stabilizer under that SAS that could be the issue??? or a fusible batting????

Home from work and just finished eating dinner. I really appreciate the advice. I'm going to lay a pressing cloth over the quilts and spritzing them with water. I'll press for the time that the label says and I'll get the steam that I need. I will definitely update a little later...

No luck! Guess I'll be starting over. Here's a picture of the back. The light pink one I did on Monday with no problems at all. The only difference with the darker pink is the fusible. I guess I know what my machine likes and what it doesn't like.

The project looks great. I don't have any answers for you on the steam a seam. I don't use steam from the iron but haven't had any trouble. I DO use the dryer sheet - works great. I got the idea from this board one night when I was in a panic. The members gave me that tip within 15 seconds.

I went out and bought Heat and Bond Lite. I made this one over and I'm so happy with it! It's hard to tell from the picture, but I used a lime green rayon thread to do the zig zag. Everything worked just fine!

Still have to do a wider zig zag around the edges, not sure if I'll use the green or go back to black thread to finish.

I can't wait to redo the pink one now! Thanks again for all your help!

This kinda shows the green a little better...

Love it!! keep on treking!

• • • Jill, I'm sorry you are having trouble with the S-A-S. I never have, but I do prefer the lite version. There is a huge difference in the thickness.

May I suggest the next time, do a little overlapping. Cut your bottom pieces with a seam allowance and no fusible. Cut your top piece exactly, then you only have to fuse the top piece. This will also give you more stability for your satin stitching.


I have to tell you these are absolutely F A N T A S T I C !

Beautiful work Jill ... love the pics and will be watching for the pink one