Have you ever wondered how to use heat n bond? I’m here to share with you all about Heat-N-Bond which is a double-sided adhesive used for bonding fabric together using an iron without the need for pinning or sewing.
I’ve been using Heat and Bond for almost two decades now. Heat-n-bond was what I used before I really honed in on my sewing skills. I would use it to adhere fabric together as a “no sew” option. However, this no sew bond can do so much more then that. When I first started Sew Woodsy in 2010 I had a few craft readers ask How to Use Heat n Bond. I had answered there questions; however, I never shared much more information then what they asked for.
Thanks to my experience using heat n bond and the internet I’m here to share with you a complete guide that will answer all your Heat and Bond questions.
Table of contents
Heat n Bond Strongest No-Sew Bond
Heat n Bond Strongest No-Sew Bond is a double-sided adhesive that is used for bonding fabric without the need for pinning or sewing. This is what I use whenever I use cut out bonded fabric on my Cricut and want to adhere it to my design. Like when I made this adorable Easter onesie for my son. When I sew I love being able to match my fabric with a design which is why I like to cut out shapes on my Cricut.
If you are wondering if this will stay on your clothing after a wash the answer is yes. This no-sew bond is three times stronger than traditional fusible webs. The solid sheet adhesive means edge to edge coverage for appliqué shapes on quilts, wall hangings and attire without puckering or bunching if applied correctly. Which by the way it is very easy to apply.
Heat n Bond Iron-On Vinyl
Years ago HeatnBond Iron-On Vinyl to make reusable snack bags. Those snack bags became highly controversial on the internet, so I took down the tutorial; however, this iron-on vinyl is not like Cricut Iron-On Vinly. You use the HeatnBond Iron-On Vinyl to iron on to fabric. This material is flexible and according to the Thermoweb website it is a water resistant coating that you iron onto the top of your fabrics to protect them.
This product is ideal for laminated fabrics to create items like fabric place mats, the inside liner to a water resistant tote bag. Other ideas on how to use this product would be a highchair seat cover, wrist wallets using candy wrappers, art smock or even an apron.
Heat and Bond Iron-On Vinyl is not meant to be used as an adhesive. It is simply used to be placed on top of items. If you need an adhesive that can bind fabric together you will want to use HeatnBond Lite or UltraHold.
How to Cut Heat n Bond on a Cricut
Before Cricut had a FabricGrip mat I would use a StandardGrip mat which still works. However, the FabricGrip mats are specially designed to secure fabrics for cutting, with easy release.
Now that their are different types of blades for cutting fabric you can use the Bonded fabric blade or Rotary blade for the Cricut.
When cutting with a Cricut make sure you select “bonded fabric” in Cricut Design Space. This will ensure that both layers will get cut.
How to Apply Heat N Bond
You will need an iron, fabric, and Heat N Bond to apply the fabric to your garment of choice.
First, make sure you always pre-wash all materials without fabric softeners. Pretest adhesive on materials before starting project. I like to use a tiny little piece of both fusible webbing and fabric to test to ensure the fabric adheres on well to the HeatnBond.
Preheat iron to medium heat, no steam. Place adhesive on the (wrong side) back of material to be bonded (paper liner should face up). Place and hold iron on the paper liner for 2 seconds. Repeat until entire surface is bonded. Allow to cool.
Hand cut to size or shape needed or use your Cricut. Peel off paper liner. Place material, adhesive side down, on top of project. Press the iron on the fabric (shirt, blanket, quilt, etc) with firm pressure for 8 seconds on each section until entire piece is bonded.
Heat n Bond FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that have to do with Heat n Bond.
A Heat n Bond Lite is for bonding fabric without the worry of extra weight or stiffness as when sewing on any extra fabric to certain material it can feel heavier. Ironing or sewing with the lite can make the material seem “light”.
Heat n Bond is machine washable. However, it can come off after quite a few washes. For best results use the delicate cycle and warm water. Heat N’ Bond is not recommended for projects or items that require dry cleaning.
Heat n Bond is made of a roll of iron on paper fabric which is a double-sided adhesive for removing the need to sew or pin.
I keep a bottle of clear nail polish in my craft room. It’s my craft polish. I will paint the edges of fabric with clear nail polish to help ensure the edges do not fray.
The beauty of heat n bond is that you do not need to sew it on. It is adhered by heat from an iron. If stitching is required, you will want to use HeatnBond Lite in the purple package.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few of my favorite heat and bond tips and tricks.
- Pre-Wash: Like with any craft project that has to do with fabric you should always pre-wash all clothing and fabrics before using Heat N’ Bond Iron-On Adhesive. Do not use fabric softeners.
- Heat – Don’t overheat Heat N’ Bond; this will cause an insufficient bonding.
- Iron – Don’t iron over the plastic instruction sheet.
- Sewing – The people at Therm-o-web recommend to not sew the fabric once the heat-n-bond has been applied. This is due to the unique thickness of Heat N’ Bond’s adhesive. Therefore, machine stitching is not recommended.
- Washing – It is machine washable. For best results use the delicate cycle and warm water. Heat N’ Bond is not recommended for projects or items that require dry cleaning.
Comments & Reviews
Kim Newell says
I’ve had a bunch of pre-cut Scotty dogs and I’ve been trying to figure out how to apply heat and bond to them for applique. All the internet instructions are for the basic – apply heat and bond to the fabric then cut out your image and applique. But – I can’t find anything on if you already have pre-cut applique. Do you know?
Katie says
Hi Kim, unfortunately, I don’t have experience with what you are looking to do. Good luck!
Greg says
I’m planning on using heat and bond to paper back a hand painted canvas that will be installed on the wall with wallpaper glue, do you advise against this? Or if heat and bond has a general life span?
Katie says
Hi Greg, Oh man I wish I could answer you question. I have never tried this before and don’t know what the life span would be.
Suzi says
I have no sewing machine, could I use heat n bond to make a face mask and it stand up to being washed in the washing machine multiple times? Thanks so much for your assistance!
Katie says
Hi Suzi–to be honest, I have no idea if you can do that or not! I have no experience using heat-n-bond for face masks! Sorry!
Lynnette Siegl says
Hi Katie,
Since I have never worked with Heat & Bond I’m totally a green horn at the project I’m about to tackle! My project it to take apart the seat cover of a High Chair that it totally dissecting and to make a new cover…. I have been told that it should be washable! What type of Heat & Bond should I use Heavy, Medium or Light? So once again is Heat & Bond washable? Should I use some sort of batting or ????? for the back side of the High Chair covering? It looks like batting that is used on the underside of a bed………..
Katie says
Hi Lynette, Oh gosh, wish I could be of better assistance to you. I’m at a loss as to which to recommend! Good luck on your project.
Michelle Poll says
I have used heat and bond on two projects. They look great until I wash and dry them. The design literally falls off or starts to peel up. What am I doing wrong?
Katie says
Hi Michelle, I think it all depends on what type of fabric you are adhering it to. I’ve found cheaper cotton fabrics fray more then the more expensive. I’ve also ran my sewing machine around the edges to help with the fraying.
Jessica says
I have the same problem. I am using a heat press. I’m thinking the temp may be too hot.
Katie says
Hi Jessica–I haven’t used Heat-N-Bond on my heat press to test it. I would read through the instructions to see what they recommend.
Dawn Gehring says
Hello Sew Woodsy Fans,
My name is Dawn and I work for Therm O Web, maker of HeatnBond. I just wanted to share that we actually have 5 versions of HeatnBond Iron-On Adhesive: HeatnBond Lite (fuchsia package), HeatnBond FeatherLite (light blue package), HeatnBond Ultrahold (red package), HeatnBond Hem (bright pink package) and NEW HeatnBond SoftStretch (orange package). The Lite, FeatherLite and SoftStretch LITE all must be sewn for permanence through laundering. The Ultrahold, Hem and SoftStretch ULTRA do not require sewing. The SoftStretch is our lightest weight fusible adhesive and is made for stretch fabrics (like onesies). We have new videos for these products on our YouTube Channel. A BIG THANKS to Katie for working with HeatnBond!
Renee esteban says
Once you iron the heat n bond to your fabric,and you have cut it out, how long can you leave the 2 together..2 or 3 days
Katie says
Hi Renee, I’ve left the heat-n-bond adhered to the fabric for weeks/months and then ironed it on to my project. You should be fine!
Kathy says
I need to adhere felt pieces to a sweatshirt .. l cant wash the sweatshirts as l plan on selling these .. will the heat n bond ultra work??
Katie says
Hi Kathy–unfortunately I don’t feel comfortable answering the question since I’ve never applied felt on to a non-washed sweatshirt! Sorry!
Debra Ladwig says
I’m hosting a baby shower and want to fuse cotton fabric cutouts to onesies. I have washed all of the fabrics. Do you have the same success with heat n bond lite as heat n bond ultra? I don’t want the onesies to be stiff for the baby. Thanks!
Katie says
Hi Debra–sorry, just seeing this now. I’ve never tested the two versions. I believe I have the ultra in my craft room and that’s what I usually use.
Bea says
How do I make sure that if I am adhering fabric to paper/card, it does not curl after cooling?
Thanks.
Katie says
Hi Bea, I’m not sure I understand what your asking. I don’t advise adhering heat-n-bond to a paper card. You would need to use an iron on the paper and that is a fire hazard.
Cyndy says
Heat and bond is regularly used to make book cloth for bookbinders. You first iron on to your fabric then peel the backing off them iron on your tissue paper at a medium heat. Do not use too hot of a iron because it will not stick well. Gently keep your iron moving on the paper. With tissue paper you can see when the heat and bond is adhered because the outline of it shows through the tissue. On card stock you’d have to experiment with timing it to ensure go adhesion. I guess it could be a fire hazard if you used a hot iron and let it sit way too long, but I’m going to have faith in the crafter to stay with it, keep the iron moving and not use a super hot iron, medium setting is best for good adhesion. Stop is you see any short hint if the paper.
Margret Todd says
I’m making curtains for a truck and want to know if I can use heat and bond with Velcro?
Katie says
Hi Margret–are you asking if you can adhere the heat n bond on the actual piece of velcro? That I do not know and you would definitely have to test it out!
Janet says
I did buy heat and bond and in the instructions it states that you have to PAINT the finished project to ensure the edges will not lift. What would you use to paint it? I am assuming it would have to be a clear finish as I can’t imagine a different colour for each piece.
Katie says
Hi Janet! I use clear nail polish to help the ends not fray!
Isabella Marshall says
how many washes does the heat and bond last for?
Katie says
Hi Isabella, I’ve never tested how many washed, but what I can tell you is that I’ve never had Heat N Bond come off anything!