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Julie Bonnar shares her simple guide to choosing interfacing
There are hundreds of interfacings out there, and it can be confusing choosing the right one for your sewing project.
What is interfacing? Interfacing is an inner fabric that’s used in construction, and lays between the fabric layers to give it extra shape, support and strength.
Where to use interfacing? Interfacing can be used in waistbands, collars, necklines and anywhere that needs additional support on garments. It’s also used for home décor projects, hats and bag making.
Types of interfacing • Woven • Non-woven • Knit • Foam • Tape
made of bonded fibres and resembles mesh. This cuts easily in any direction and won’t unravel making it perfect for using with stretch fabrics.
Knit interfacing: Knit interfacing is soft and flexible, It has a crosswise stretch but little lengthwise. This type is suitable for fabrics such as jersey and other knit fabrics.
Tape interfacing
Pre-shrinking
These are perfect for seams in soft stretch fabrics and areas where stretch occurs. It protects your fabric from warping and fraying, and is easier to sew by machine. To view more tape interfacings – click here
Just like all fabrics, interfacings need to be pre-shrunk. Sew-in versions can be pre-shrunk by press steaming and fusibles by immersing in hot water. Once cool, roll out in a towel to remove excess moisture, and then air dry.
All of the interfacings mentioned come in fusible, and sew-in versions as well as different weights so you can get the ideal match for your project.
7 tips for choosing and using interfacing 1. Choose an interfacing that is
Sew-in This type is sewn on to the main fabric just like a normal layer of fabric, and is easy to use. It can provide a more natural drape, and can be used with fabrics that are heat-sensitive like lace, mesh, textured and napped fabrics. To see the complete range of sew-in interfacings – click here
Foam interfacing:
Fusible
Foam interfacing is made from lightweight foam, which is sandwiched between two layers of a soft and ultrathin tricot fabric. It’s flexible, lightweight and perfect for bag making. To find more foam interfacings – click here
This interfacing is backed with a special adhesive that melts and bonds to the fabric when pressed with an iron. It’s a quick option but always test on a fabric scrap first. To see more fusible interfacings – click here
Woven interfacing: Woven interfacing has a lengthwise and crosswise grain so it’s important that the layers work together. This interfacing is used for more tailored garments.
Non-woven interfacing: Non-woven interfacing is
Heat and Bond Soft Stretch Lite is a sew-able, lightweight iron-on web adhesive designed to move with your stretch fabric but avoids adding any bulk. It’s great to use with knits, stretch denim, spandex, jersey fabrics, fleece and flannel.
lighter or the same weight as your fabric. 2. If your fabric can be ironed, then always choose a fusible interfacing. 3. Select the right colour of interfacing for your project. If your fabric is a dark, then choose a dark interfacing or if it is light choose a light one. 4. There is a right and a wrong side to most interfacing. Fusible products have a dot adhesive that you can see or feel, and the fusible side will be shiny. 5. Always try a few different weights of interfacing, and test to see which works best with your chosen fabric. Always press from the interfacing side first and then press from the fabric side to ensure a good bond applying an even pressure with the iron, lifting and placing back down to overlap the previous area. 6. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. 7. Protect your ironing board and fabrics. To remove fusible residue from fabric, iron with a dryer sheet or use adhesive spot remover and use a hot iron cleaner to remove any fusible residue on the iron.
