Quilt in a Day Forums

What can I do for sewing on applique using wonder under and my thread keeps breaking and the sewing machine needle is very sticky?

I've had the same thing happen...I don't know what to do either.

I've had a big problem with Wonder Under. You can clean the needle with alcohol, but I've had to do it every few stitches. I would try something other than Wonder Under. I've used Heat N Bond and TransWeb and Steam A Seam with better results!

I used Steam a Seam II. It's double sided. I also used a stabilizer when sewing applique with machine, it worked really well. My needle was not sticky.

Heat and Bond Lite sews like a dream for me. It will not gum up the needle. I can still buy it a Walmart in a package. Stock up when you find it.

Check the size of your needle, check the thread. The wonder under does not like too small of a needle, or a cheap thread. Make sure you have none sticking out where you are sewing the applique on.
Seal it good, and make sure it sticks. I prefer steam a seam also, after trying other products. But, whatever your machine likes, is what you have to go with. Good luck.

I have to say that I prefer Steam-a-Seam II, also. I've never had a problem with it. I wonder though, if you cleaned or replaced your needle and then rubbed it well with a fabric softener sheet, if that might help keep it goo-free for a bit longer. I use them to scrub down my shower and it deflects scum buildup for quite a while. Good luck! If you find something that works, please share!

mary z

I use heat n bond LITE. If I use anything else - it gums up my needle.

This may sound weird but...I use Thread Heaven when I do handwork. The little box was getting compacted or used up and I got a new one. Here's the weird part. I scrapped out the old stuff, molded it into a ball, and sewed it into a little muslin "pillowcase". Now when I use fusibles I'll put the little pillowcase under my unthreaded machine needle and punch it through a couple of times. Seems to work pretty well.
Sherry
P.S.-I use Heat n Bond Lite.

I just recently had this problem, except that it happened when I was sewing on some patches that had been ironed onto a sweatshirt. I ended up using "Goo Gone" on a cotton ball and wiping the needle about every 8 or 9 stitches!! It worked, but I wouldn't ever iron on the patches first!! Just stitch them down.
If the Wonder Under does that, I'd never use it again, period!! lol! Use another product.

Joanne