🎯 No More Sticky Situations: Meet Your New Favorite Appliqué Tool

You ever try to line up teeny tiny appliqué pieces on your ironing board, only to have them wiggle out of place right before you press?

Yeah. Same. 😩

That’s why it is so important to pick the right mat for your fusible appliqué. These babies are lifesavers when you’re building layered designs, especially if you’re working with detailed pieces or change your mind mid-layout.

I am sure you already knew that. But the real question is, which one should you choose?

Don’t feel bad. I didn’t know either! It took a bit of playing with different ones to figure it out. And I am glad to share what I have learned with you!

Not all appliqué mats are created equal. Let me explain.

🧼 Silicone vs. Teflon: Which Mat Should You Use?

🟣 Silicone Mats

These are your “stick-with-me” type. Made of fiberglass coated with silicone, they’re:

• Slightly tacky, which keeps your appliqué pieces from dancing around
• Transparent, so you can place your layout map underneath for perfect positioning
• Heat-resistant, so you can press directly on them without a care

👉 Best for: precision placement—flowers with lots of petals, dimensional designs, and anything fussy or fiddly. Bonus: when you let your project cool, you can peel off the entire motif and set it onto your fabric backing like a well-behaved sticker.

⚠️ Because these are so sticky, they can accumulate threads and hairs… If you have long haired pets, kids or even yourself, you may find them accumulating on the mat!

Examples of these mats are:

• Appli-Fuse Mat
• Precision Fusing Mat
• Love Sew Applique Precision Fusing Mat

🔵 Teflon Mats

These are smooth operators. Also heat-safe and transparent-ish, but:

• Slippery —your pieces can slide around more freely
• Great for larger designs or when you need to “nudge” things into place mid-press
• Clean up in a snap

👉 Best for: big appliqué motifs, flexible layouts, or when you’re assembling larger units and want room to wiggle things without them getting stuck.

⚠️ Because these are easily slide, your designs may scurry around with the swish of a cat or dog’s tail!

Examples of these mats are:

• Goddess Sheet
• PTFE Sheet/Teflon Sheets
• Pinkie Teflon Paper

💡 So… Which One Should You Use?

Honestly? I use both. It depends on the project and my mood (and if the dogs are sleeping). 😅

Here is a link to a short video showing you what I mean.

If I’m doing something detailed—like building an intricate design with small pieces—I’m reaching for the silicone mat. But if I’m working on something large and loose, or I want to be able to adjust on the fly? Teflon all the way.

🧵 Quick Tips for Appliqué Mat Magic

• Slide your placement diagram underneath your mat for easy alignment
• Build your pieces like a pineapple upside down cake—start with the top (fusible side up) and add layers (make sure you have a second mat between the fusible and your iron
• Press, don’t iron—light pressure and slow movement is key to keeping things where they belong
• Let it cool before moving your motif (trust me, it’s worth the wait)
• Clean it off with warm soapy water or a magic eraser if it gets gunky

✂️ Other Bonuses for Fusible Mats?

• Protection: Keep your ironing board and workspace safe and sound from adhesive mishaps.
• Portability: Move your motifs around with ease.
• Versatility: Beyond quilting, they’re great for glue gun projects and other crafts.

🧡 Final Thoughts from the Quilt Studio

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to appliqué—but the right mat can make your process smoother, cleaner, and way more fun. Whether you’re a precise placer or a freewheeling fusible fanatic, there’s a mat that’s got your back.

And hey, if you’ve been avoiding fusible appliqué because it felt too fussy? This might be your sign to give it another go—with a mat to match.

Happy Quilting!