ABOUT LASER KITS!

Laser Kits are a wonderful way to make quick progress on your applique quilt project! Using laser kits saves time and fabric, as each applique piece comes pre-cut and pre-fused. A laser kit product is a bit different than cutting your own pieces, and these are the things we think you should know before you purchase. We want you to be delighted with your laser kit experience, so please contact us if you have any questions!

Kit Contents

Read the product description for what the kit contains. It will always contain the appliques, background fabric, and the pattern. Depending on the kit, borders and bindings may also be provided. Backing fabric is not usually provided.

Fabric Selection

With laser kits, we carefully plan which pieces will be fussy-cut and which can be cut from any portion of the fabric. However, due to variations in fabric print repeats, dye lots, and our efforts to keep laser kits affordable, there is no guarantee that the fabric in your kit will exactly match what is in the quilt image, or would match your preference. McKenna’s quilts are art quilts and choosing fabrics is part of the artistic process – be willing to be flexible in the representation! However, be assured that we, working with McKenna, have “quality assured” the selection of the fabric cuts. Alternatively, you can always easily trace and cut any pieces from your own fabric choices to customize your project, should you have a different fabric preference.

Identifying Applique Pieces

Applique pieces in each kit do not come already labeled. You’ll want to separate the pieces, and match them up with the Cutting Guide found in the pattern. Note that the Cutting Guide pieces are reversed, therefore the pieces will match fabric side down and paper backing side up. You should label each piece according to the Cutting Guide for easy reference. If you’re doing a multi-block quilt project, be sure to keep applique pieces for each block separate from pieces from other blocks.

Connected Pieces

Small or delicate pieces in the kit may be connected to a frame for easier handling. You’ll want to locate the small connection points and snip them away from the frame when you are ready to place them onto your project.

Iron Folded Pieces

Larger applique pieces come folded to fit the packaging of the kits. BEFORE removing the paper backing we recommend that you unfold the applique and iron flat to remove any fold lines with a warm dry iron.

Removing Paper Backing

The paper backing on the appliques may be easily removed by gently bending an edge of the applique backwards toward the paper. Be careful not to crease the applique. This loosens the paper from that edge of the applique so it’s easier to lift off.

Ironing On Applique

As you create your elements per the pattern instructions, use only the tip of your iron to hold the pieces in place; this will "save" the fusible for when you iron it on to the background. When you are ready to place the completed applique component onto your project, use a HOT DRY IRON (no steam) and press firmly straight down on the applique for 3-5 seconds. Lift iron straight up when finished. Do not slide your iron from side to side as this may change the position of your applique. Repeat this pressing motion until all portions of the applique have been fused. Note: be careful not to over-iron; the fusible will start to lose its stickiness if ironed too much.

3D-Fabric Embellishments

McKenna is known for her embellishments, and sometimes these embellishments are 3-dimensional (3D) features made of fabric. These elements are made of two applique pieces that are mirror-images of each other. They are fused together to create a shape, with the fabric right side out on both sides. The pattern Cutting Guide will have applique shapes for both sides of the 3D element. If the quilt design contains 3D elements, in laser kits the 3D pieces have been pre-cut and fused together to create the element for your quilt. Simply skip the 3D assembly step in your pattern!

Storing Appliques

Always store your unused laser kit applique pieces in an airtight container to prolong the life of the fusible. Exposure to air can, over time, cause the fusible to become brittle and lose it's adherent quality.

Fusible Brand

The fusible web used in McKenna's laser kits is the same lightweight fusible she uses in her original creations. At this time, she prefers SoftFuse Premium by Shades. This is subject to change without notice. The information relayed above is specific to this fusible web product.