Exploring Fusible Fibres: Layering, Fusing and Embellishing Textile

How-To Guides

Fusible fibres, which emerged in the late 20th century as artists began experimenting with synthetic materials, by adding shimmer, texture and dimension to fabrics. Building on this innovative tradition, you can create your own vibrant fabrics and 3D accessories, from bags to brooches.

Using materials like Angelina or Crystaline, this guide will show you how to layer, fuse, shape and embellish your creations. Whether exploring colour, texture, or inventive forms, these step-by-step instructions make it easy to craft unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Step by step - Let's Create

Prepare two pieces of baking parchment. Lay one on a heatproof surface ensuring it covers a large area. At this stage you may not know how big your design will be, so be generous. On the first piece of baking parchment, lay a fine layer of Angelina or Crystaline fusible fibres. You can use a range of colours, or just stick with one shade for the first layer.

Place the second piece of baking parchment over the top of the fibres, ensuring that they are completely covered before ironing. Set your iron to the wool setting and apply heat in circular motions to the baking parchment. This will fuse the fibres together.

When you remove the top layer of baking parchment you will reveal a fused piece of fabric. You can experiment by applying more heat and observing how the colour of the fusible fibres changes. The more heat you apply, the more the fibres will change colour and become burnished and coppery.

After creating a fine base of fusible fibres, you can then go on to add more layers and introduce other fusing materials such as fusing film. You can also embed skeleton leaves, sequins and fabric swatches into the layers of fibres but ensure that the iron is kept on the low wool setting, otherwise you may damage them.

Pieces created can be used as a whole or cut up into pieces. Try making different shapes, such as a cone. Simply make a card cone shape and place the fusible fibres on it in layers. Place baking parchment over the top and use the iron to mould the fibres around the cone. Wear heatproof gloves to protect your hands from the heat.

Any pieces that you have made can be decorated with beads, coloured wires and threads. You can use fusible fibres with wooden stamping blocks and the fibres will take on the design of the stamp. Try using the fibres around a metal bowl, and they will fuse together to create a fibre bowl. Experiment with embroidering over the top or sewing pieces together to make patch work designs.