Types of Interfacing – Easy Guide to Types and Uses

Are the types of interfacing making you confused? Here is an easy guide to help you on your way.

Interfacing is a modern way to share a skill or communicate. You can interface on the computer, or you can interface on networks.

AND…you can interface in a material world.

So sing along ‘ Material Girl’  while you learn about interfacing,  in a  material world.

Why do we use interfacing?

Some of the most common reasons we use interfacing are:

• It gives shape, support and stability to the framework of garments
• Interfacing gives weight and warmth to quilting items
• It gives body to some otherwise flimsy fabric
• It provides stability to fabric that is to be embroidered
• Interfacing adds to the professional look of a finished garment

What types of interfacing are there?

1. Woven interfacing: This looks like woven fabric.  If you look at the image below you can see a definite weave in the fabric. Cutting with the grain is important as the bias will have a slight stretch.
2. Non- woven interfacing:  Non-woven interfacing is bonded and has a texture that looks like paper. It does not have a grain and can be cut in any direction.
   
3. Knit interfacing: This has a bit of stretch and so is useful for interfacing knit fabrics.
4. Fusible interfacing: This interfacing has glue on the back and can be pressed on with a steam iron which makes the interfacing adhere to the fabric.
5. Non-fusible interfacing: This can be woven or non-woven. If the interfacing is non-fusible, then it must be stitched in place.  This type of interfacing can give a garment a freer look when completed.
6. Double sided fusible: There is also a double sided fusible type of interfacing that bonds with the fabric on both sides. I use this extensively when sewing appliques. It holds your pieces in place and stops the edges from fraying.

How to apply interfacing:

• It is always advisable to read the instructions that accompany the interfacing before you start to apply it to your material.
• Pre-wash your interfacing. Soak it in some cold water, then dry before using in case it shrinks.
• Test the interfacing on a scrap of fabric to make sure the outcome and feel is what you want.
• Non-fusible interfacing will need to be stitched in with a basting stitch to keep it in place and then stitched with the garment.

Valuable Fusible Interfacing tips:

• Check that you are going to apply the shiny side to the fabric wrong side and that your iron is at the right temperature. Use a pressing cloth and avoid contact with the interfacing and your iron!
• Ensure fusible interfacing will not cause wrinkles on the outside of your fabric.
• Always use a presser cloth to stop fusible interfacing sticking to the iron.
• Wait for the fabric to cool before continuing to sew.  This enables the glue from the interfacing to bond onto the fabric and dry.
• If you should get some interfacing on the iron, then let the iron cool before peeling off the interfacing that is stuck to the iron.

Weights of interfacing:

It is important not to use a weight of interfacing that is heavier than the fabric that you are sewing.

• Featherweight is light and durable for fine fabrics.
• Medium weight offers a wide variety of types of interfacing for most projects.
• Heavyweight is the stronger type able to add structure to purses and hat brims.

Interfacing brand names available:

Here are some of the popular types of interfacing:

• Peltex – 71F ultra firm interfacing which is great for bag making, crafts, home decorating and quilting
• Decorbond 809 – crisp texture
• Shapeflex 101 – a woven type
• Fuse N shape – double sided and firm
• Deco fuse 520 – thin but stiff
• Fusible fleece –  I use this as lining for a lot of my clutch patterns. It gives a soft feel to the clutch while providing great body.
• Organza – this is a very fine, sew-in option for soft fabrics.

Popular brand names are:

Pellon, Bosal, C+ T, Clover, Handler, Thermo-web, Sulky, Vilene

The last word on interfacing:

Now you have all the information, all you need to do is try out the suggestions in your “material world” and watch the finish of your work rise to new levels of professionalism.

You will be a material girl, interfacing in your material world.

Learn how to sew with more fabrics

• Sewing Wool
• How to Sew Silk
• Sewing Fur
• Sewing Denim
• How to Sew Lace
• Sewing Leather
• How to Sew Stretch Fabric
• Sewing Sheer Fabrics