As a quilter and crafter, I’ve tried the more traditional ways to stabilize my fabrics – using spray starch and using Best Press. So, when I was asked to try out Terial Magic, I wasn’t sure how excited I would be. Spoiler alert: I was VERY excited!
Terial Magic is a liquid that comes in a spray bottle. It works a little different than starch or best press. You spray it on your fabric, wring out the fabric, allow it to dry somewhat, then iron.
I started by spraying the Terial Magic on a couple pieces of red fabric. It smelled a little like shampoo, and feels a little like a diluted conditioner. So, not at all unpleasant to the senses. It was so easy to use, that I dug some more fabric out of my scrap bin, and went to town!
The instructions say to allow the Terial Magic to sit for 15 minutes. I waited more than 30, and it could have waited even longer. The pieces that were draped over the sides of the tub were nicer to iron than those laying at the bottom of the tub.
When ironing, I was very worried about the Terial Magic gunking up the bottom of my iron, or (even worse), getting scorch marks on my fabric. Anyone who has ever stiffened fabric with spray starch has cried when they iron just a little too long, scorching the fabric. I didn’t have any of these issues when using the Terial Magic on quilting cottons (keep reading for the issues I had with felt).
On the fabric that was more damp, the iron didn’t glide easily. It would stick to the soleplate of the iron. But, it was easy to get off, and I didn’t have any scorch marks.
Once the fabric was ironed, it was slightly stiffer than a piece of copy paper – not quite as stiff as cardstock. It was like adding a fusible stabilizer or interfacing, without the added bulk. It was stiffer than using Best Press. The stiffness was comparable to using a heavy spray starch – but the stiffness was completely uniform – which is hard to achieve with spray starch.
The first thing I wanted to do with it was try a little origami. So, I whipped up an origami box. Though the fabric didn’t crease quite like paper, the box came out great. However, for a design that needs sharp crease lines for perfect orientation, you might need to use a bone folder to make sure you get deep creases.
Next, I thought I’d get a little crafty, using stiffened fabric to whip up a flower. Again, it worked great!
As a quilter, I wanted to try it for quilting. I’m most careful about stiffening fabrics when making mini quilts. Tiny blocks, especially triangle blocks which are stitched on the bias, get out of whack so easily. And on small pieces, 1/8″ is enough to keep points from lining up. I made a teeny quilt… with the best results I’ve ever had on a quilt this small.
Not every point was perfect – but many were spot-on. And even those that were off were only off by a few threads. Which is remarkable when you consider that each block is only one inch finished. The entire quilt (with borders) measures just 6″ x 7″. It can fit in your hand! Now I need to figure out how to quilt and bind something this tiny!
Lastly, I had a lot of scraps of stiffened fabric, and thought I’d make a banner. I cut pieces into triangles, and hot glued them to a length of ribbon. This super simple banner was easy to make, and no fraying at all!
I did try the Terial Magic on felt. I left it to dry for over an hour, then began to iron. As I ironed, the Terial magic formed dandruff-like flakes on the felt. These were brushed away easily, but did make a mess. Some also got caught in the steam holes of the iron. Those were also easily removed, and none of them burned or created scorch marks of any kind on the fabric.
I ironed each piece of a long time, but they were so saturated with Terial Magic, that the didn’t fully stiffen. In the end, I had to leave them to dry overnight, then iron them. This worked, and gave me stiff pieces of felt – about as stiff as cereal box cardboard. I’m not sure yet what I’ll make with them… do you have any crafts you’d make with stiffened felt?
I was very happy with the results I got using Terial Magic, and think it is a great product for both quilters and crafters who like to create with fabric. It creates stiffened fabric that will not fray, and can be used in a variety of differnt ways. I absolutely love that it does not scorch or burn. The only downside is that you do have to let the product dry in the fabric for 15-45 minutes before you can iron it and use it. But if you’re patient, it is well worth it.
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Sounds like something I need to try for quilting. I hate spray starch and always have from way back in the 60’s when you had to mix your own. I will pick this up next time I am out and try it. Did you try a press cloth over the felt to see if the helped with the flaking.
any chance you can publish directions for that fabric box
I want to try that for applique projects instead of using the fusible webbing!!
I agree with Lisa. Can’t wait to get some and try it with applique.
Tammy – I didn’t try a press cloth. I was really TRYING to make the Terial Magic burn, if at all possible, because that is one of the biggest concerns with spray starch – how quickly it will brown if you’re not careful with ironing. I’m sure a press cloth would help, but it might take a little longer to get it fully stiff. The flakiness wasn’t a real concern – it didn’t leave marks on my iron or ironing board – so you don’t need to use a press cloth if you don’t have one handy.
I don’t know if I would use the Terial Magic in place of a fusible webbing for applique. Terial Magic stiffens the fabric, but it is not an adhesive. The purpose of the fusible webbing is to keep the applique in place while you stitch. If you raw-edge applique, the fusible also keeps the edges from fraying. If you’re creating raw-edge applique wall hangings, you might be able to use the Terial Magic and a less robust adhesive – like a basting spray or even a glue stick. But for items that will see a lot of wear, or be washed, I would still use fusible web.
Did you try it on sheers?
Yes, you can find the directions here: http://30minutecrafts.com/2015/01/terial-magic-folded-box.html
I would love to try this product where can I purchase it.
Check your local quilt shop or purchase on amazon here: http://amzn.to/1LGwdDM
Terial Magic is a great product. Just finished another embroidered T-shirt using Terial spray and no other stabilizer. Finished product is soft and no puckering whatsoever. Also used on a denim shirt with a large design with tiny flowers and butterflies. Have made several 3D flowers to accent embroidered items. Love this stuff and highly recommend.
I tried printing labels for quilts. The stiffened fabric fed through the printer well. However, when washing out the product, most of the ink came along. Labels are now super faded.
Have just purchased the Terial Magic but can this only be used in a back feed printer mine is a front feed so not sure if it will be safe to try. any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jackie
Did you check to see if there is a back door drop-down slot? Double-check… and then just try it! If the fabric is properly stiffened it shouldn’t jam. Or…. just iron your fabric to a piece of freezer paper (shiny side up) and feed it through that way. Good luck!
Did you try it on embroidery machine?
No- I don’t have an embroidery machine.
For an embroidery class we were asked to prepare the fabric by cutting to size first then treat with Terial Magic. I got distortion and shrinkage. Had I done the entire piece of fabric and then cut to size I’d have been a lot happier. As it is a 12 X 24″ piece was reduced by 1/2″ all the way around. Now I knoa
I do believe that it is recommended to block and/or iron your piece to prevent shrinkage and distortion.
Thanks for your review on Terial Magic and felt. It was just what I was looking for. It saved me from ruining my felt.