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What is Lutradur, and How Do I Use It?

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Duration:   14  mins

What is Lutradur?

Lutradur is a spun-bond polyester stabilizer and it comes in two weights, 70 grams, and 100 grams.

The 70-gram Lutradur melts easier and at a lower heat, whereas the 100-gram Lutradur is more difficult to melt but better to print on.

Painting Lutradur

lutradur 1 This medium is wonderful for added dimension in your mixed media projects.

One of the best ways to use Lutradur is to first paint it. You can use a variety of paints; Dynaflow and Luminere by Jacquard are the paints Heather uses in her segment.

Because Lutradur is web-like, the paint will go right through it so it is important to put a towel under the Lutradur while painting to absorb any excess paint. If you are really adventurous, you can use fabric under your Lutradur and do a little fabric painting at the same time.

Adding Glitz

lutradur 2If you would like to see a little added glitz, try some metallic paint.

Dip your brush into the paint, dab off any excess, and then run or drag it through already-painted areas just for a little punch of WOW!

Set aside to dry. Dry time will depend on how much paint is used. When completely dry, it will be ready for use.

Photo Printing

Lutradur is also a great medium for printing photos on. If you plan to do this, however, you will need to first prepare it with one of the following preparation tools:

  1. – Digital Ground Medium,
  2. – Ink Aid, or
  3. – Bubble Jet Set

These mediums need to be painted onto Lutradur, first painting in one direction with a paintbrush and then paint in the opposite direction. You can paint left to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top; just make sure it is covered if you plan to use it in your printer.

lutradur 3 Once it is completely dry, send it through your printer for a beautiful quality print with extra texture! Lutradur that is sent through the printer is a perfect medium for thread art, and better yet you won’t need stabilizer because Lutradur is a stabilizer itself.

Mixed Media Art Quilts

And still there is more… it’s like Christmas morning! Heather also demonstrated ways to melt and score Lutradur as a great design tool for mixed media art quilts. It is important to remember that 70-gram sheets melt much quicker than the 100-grams.

lutradur 4 In the video, Heather walks you through how to properly melt each weight. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.

lutradur 5 She also shows ways to make the edges more interesting as well as creating designs in Lutradur by scoring it.

When scoring, be sure to use a heat-resistant surface such as glass, tile, or a cookie sheet. One of the most important tools to use when melting or scoring the 100 gram sheets is patience. It’s thicker and will take longer to melt.

lutradur 6 Hard to believe, but that is not all! You can also pre-quilt painted Lutradur before melting it.

You will first need to layer your sandwich with backing, batting, and top material. Next apply dried painted Lutradur, pin it securely, and begin quilting! Any metallic paint you may have used will make melting a bit more difficult, so just be patient. The hot air gun you use will melt in between the quilting lines giving an aged look with depth and texture.

I am so stoked to try this technique; I’m heading out to pick up my supplies. I’d love if you would do the same and post some of the results you get with your new skill!

So, how many ways are you planning on using Lutradur? Happy quilting my friends!

Get in touch! Leave a comment or email editor@nationalquilterscircle.com.


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3 Responses to “What is Lutradur, and How Do I Use It?”

  1. ChantalJane Garant

    I am from Canada. Do you have any address where I can find colorés Lutradur? Could be an address in NY city too, my sister lives there…thank you

  2. Pat

    Thank you for the explanations and tips about Lutradur. I purchased a package years ago and you have given me wonderful ideas on how to be creative with it, not only for quilts, but for papercrafts as well.

  3. MACDONALD

    interesting, but I cannot view the video

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