What Is Pellon 808 Craft-Fuse Stabilizer?
If your fabric project flops, wrinkles, or just won't hold its shape, the answer is almost always stabilizer. Pellon 808 Craft-Fuse is a nonwoven, fusible fabric backing made of 100% polyester. It fuses directly to the wrong side of your fabric with an iron, adding strength and body without adding bulk. Because it is completely sewing machine safe and won't gum up your needle, it's a favorite for crafters who want a professional finish without the fuss of sew-in alternatives.
When to Use Craft-Fuse 808
Craft-Fuse shines anywhere fabric needs to stand up on its own or keep its structure through handling. Reach for it for:
- Home décor projects — placemats, table runners, valances, and fabric boxes that need body and durability.
- Apparel accessories — belts, visors, hats, and bag straps where a little stiffness makes all the difference.
- Children's toys — soft toys and fabric play items that get tugged, squeezed, and loved hard.
For areas that require extra rigidity — think a bag's base or a structured brim — simply apply two layers of Craft-Fuse for double the body.
How to Fuse It: Step by Step
- Prewash your fabric if the finished project will be washed. This removes shrinkage surprises later.
- Cut the stabilizer to the same size and shape as the fabric piece you're backing. You can cut them together or trace your pattern piece directly.
- Place the fusible (resin) side against the wrong side of your fabric. The resin side feels slightly bumpy or textured — that's what bonds to the fabric when heated.
- Cover with a press cloth to protect both your iron and your fabric.
- Press — don't slide — with a hot, dry iron. Hold the iron firmly in place for about 10–15 seconds per section, lifting and repositioning to cover the whole piece. Always test heat and timing on a scrap first, since irons vary.
- Let it cool flat. The bond sets as it cools, so don't move the piece until it has cooled completely.
Tips for Best Results
- Never skip the press cloth. Adhesive residue on your iron's soleplate transfers to the next project you press.
- Fuse before you cut curves. If your pattern has curved edges, fuse the stabilizer first, then trim — the fused layers cut more cleanly and evenly.
- Layer up for structure. Two layers of Craft-Fuse give you firm rigidity for projects like tote bag bottoms, fabric bowls, or structured hats.
- Stitch through it confidently. The nonwoven construction is completely sewing machine safe and won't gum up your needle, so topstitching and quilting through it are no problem.
Care Instructions
As a 100% polyester stabilizer, Craft-Fuse stands up well to everyday laundering. Follow the care instructions of the fabric you've fused it to, and use gentle machine wash and low-heat drying when in doubt. Pressing a finished project with a press cloth keeps everything crisp.
Shop the Pellon® 808 Craft-Fuse® Stabilizer 20" x 10 yards Bolt. Color: White. at Linda's Electric Quilters.
