How to Remove Stitch Witchery from Iron
Stitching, sewing, knitting, embroidery, and other forms of threadwork create amazing designs with a lot of techniques. Most of the creations from such crafts usually involve layers that have to be attached with some additional material.
One of the most common items used to join layers of fabric together, for several purposes is stitch witchery.
If you’ve been into threadwork for a while then you’ve probably heard of stitch witchery, and all you need is some help in figuring out how to remove it from your iron. But if you haven’t, we’ve got you covered too!
Here’s all you need to know about stitch witchery –and how you can remove it when it gets stuck to your iron!
How To Remove Stitch Witchery From Iron
Contents
Stitch witchery is an important part of any process that involves working with fabric. It helps you keep layers, hems, and just about any part of the fabric in place, while you do what you have to do to get your design perfectly.
As helpful as it can be, there are more than a few occasions where the fusible surface of stitch witchery gets stuck to the surface of your iron. If you try to remove it too harshly, you may ruin the face of your iron. But before we dive into the techniques of removing stitch witchery from iron, with no damage, let’s do a quick run-through of the item itself.
How Does Stitch Witchery Work?
Stitch Witchery is a fusible bonding web that is used to attach two layers of fabric, such as hems and parts that you do not want stitch or sewing to appear.
Stitch witchery is ideal for fixing hems, applying ribbons, and other no-sew craft projects. It permanently fuses the layers with the application of heated iron.
It is a strip of adhesive material that melts when heated with an iron, which enables it to adhere to the fabric and create bonding.
Due to its primary application with fabric, stitch witchery is washable by hand and machine. It also comes in different weights and sizes, depending on the requirements of the fabric you are working with for your project.
You can get stitch witchery in widths from ? inch to 2 inches. The weight of stitch witchery range from ultra-light to heavy.
The best type of fabric you can use stitch witchery for is cotton and other heat-withstanding fabric. Light silk may burn with the intensity of the heat so it is best to only use stitch witchery as a pro or look for an alternative.
Methods Of Removing Stitch Witchery From Iron
Ironing plays an important part in the application of stitch witchery. Now, there are some occasions when the fabric slips or there is more than enough stitch witchery, or for any other accidental reason, your iron picks up some stitch witchery.
A quick reminder that stitch witchery is fusible and it melts when in contact with heat. So, when your iron gets snagged on some stitch witchery, the adhesive gets stuck to the face of the iron.
The question is, what do you do?
There are different ways that stitch witchery can accidentally get stuck to your iron but the common factor is that you now have an iron that needs to be cleared. Several techniques can be applied to remove stitch witchery from your iron, and we have highlighted the best methods below.
Method 1: Magic cleaners and commercial products
One of the fastest and most stress-free ways to get stitch witchery and any other fusible material off your iron is to use magic cleaners and commercial products.
These cleaners are chemically designed to dissolve the adhesive of most fusible materials and they are made specifically for surfaces like your iron. Other than magic cleaners like goo gone, you can also use a commercial product like hand sanitizer to get stitch witchery off your iron.
Step 1: Cool the iron.
While it may seem as though the iron’s heat will melt the fusible off, chances are that it will make it harder to remove. Instead, unplug the iron and let it cool before you attempt to remove the stitch witchery from the iron.
Step 2: Apply the product to scrub or rough-surfaced fabric.
After certifying that the contents of the product will not affect the iron, pour a sizeable quantity of the product to your preferred applicator. Ensure that the iron is cool before you start because the chemical contents might cause a sizzle that could hurt you.
Step 3: Scrub down the iron.
Use the applicator to scrub down the affected surface of the iron and apply more of the product, if need be. Repeat this step till you get your desired results.
Step 4: Wipe and Dry
Use a dry towel or fabric to wipe down the surface of the iron and leave it to dry for a while.
Method 2: Paper
With this method, you can use any regular paper, paper towel, or newspaper.
Step 1: Heat the iron
Unlike the first method, you need to have the iron on the highest heat level with the steam turned off.
Step 2: Iron paper
Spread the paper on a flat surface and run the hot iron over the paper surface. This method will help you get most of the residue off. However, it may not completely take the stain off so you may have to combine it with a scrub.
Step 3 (optional): Add salt
You can pour some salt on the paper before running the iron over it or pour the salt on a dry towel and use it to scrub the iron’s surface (unplugged).
If you are using an iron without a Teflon soleplate, this might be the best method for you to use. If your iron has a Teflon soleplate, check out the other methods.
Method 3: Heated Fabric
Another method you can use to get stitch witchery off your iron plate is by using a wet fabric.
Step 1: Wet the fabric
Get a terry towel and wet it with some warm water. Try to avoid using tap water because it can damage your iron plate.
Step 2: Scrub iron on low heat
You can either reduce the heat level of your iron and run it over a wet rough-surfaced towel or heat it up and unplug it before scrubbing the surface with the towel.
The steam from contact with the wet fabric should dissolve the stitch witchery. If it doesn’t peel off, you can use an old credit card to peel it off lightly.
Step 3: Dry the iron
Once you have all the fusible off the iron, wipe it down with a dry fabric and leave it to cool before plugging it back in to use.
Method 4: Scrubs and Solutions
The final method we are going to suggest is mostly DIY (Do-It-Yourself) with things you can find in your cupboard. You can make a quick solution with soap, vinegar, or even baby powder, and use it to scrub down the sticky surface of the iron.
For soap:
Step 1: Make the iron damp
Get a rag or terry towel and make it wet before using to lightly scrub the unplugged but heated iron. Be sure to avoid making contact with your skin as the iron should still be too warm to touch. Also ensure that the rag isn’t dripping wet, just slightly damp.
Step 2: Mix the solution
Dampening the iron should have taken most of the stickiness off but if that doesn’t work completely, you can move to this step.
Mix soap and warm water in relative portions. Soak a rag in the solution and squeeze it before using it to scrub the surface of the iron. Repeat until you can see your desired result. If need be, use a credit card to scrape the soleplate lightly.
Step 3: Dry
Get a rag or towel that is completely dry and use it to wipe the iron thoroughly. Leave the iron to air dry before plugging in for any other use.
For Vinegar and Saltwater:
Step 1: Prep the solution
Before you start this process, unplug the iron and be sure to open a window or make sure the area is well-ventilated. Pour equal parts of white vinegar and salt into a saucepan or pot and place on medium heat. Leave the mix to boil till you start seeing bubbles.
Step 2: Apply the solution
It is best to use the solution while it is still warm so you need to get gloves to protect yourself from harm. Use a rag or towel as an applicator by placing it into the solution before using it to scrub the iron.
Step 3: Rinse
Repeat the previous step until you get your desired result. When you have achieved the desired outcome, get another rag or towel and dampen it with distilled water, remember not to use tap water on your iron.
Use the new damp towel to wipe down your iron to avoid the acidic effects of the vinegar hanging on to its surface. Once your iron is wiped clean, use another dry rag to wipe it down and leave it to air dry.
While you are welcome to try any non-aggressive cleaning solutions, be sure to avoid using baking soda for a Teflon iron because it can clog the steam holes.
If one of the above methods doesn’t do the trick completely, try to top it off with another method for the final touch, and your iron should be as good as new!
Is Stitch Witchery Permanent?
-Yes, it is. Stitch witchery is a fusible agent that creates a permanent bond on fabric. However, if you want to remove stitch witchery from fabric, there are methods you can try out.
What Can I Use As An Alternative For Stitch Witchery?
-Several other melting-glue adhesives work similarly to stitch witchery but it is the most preferred fusible material.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
- How To Hem Chiffon With Tape - January 21, 2024
- How To Fix Ripped Jeans That Ripped Too Much? - January 9, 2024
- How To Make Pants Waist Smaller Without Sewing? - January 8, 2024
