KNOWLEDGE BASE OF BASICS SERIES

INTERFACING

KNOWLEDGE BASE OF BASICS SERIES

INTERFACING

Interfacing is one of those sewing supplies that you may not notice in a finished project, but it can make a big difference in how that project looks and feels.

Whether you are making a bag, pouch, garment, collar, waistband, or other sewing project, interfacing can add body, support, stability, and structure to your fabric.

What Is Interfacing?

Interfacing is a material placed between or behind fabric to give it additional support.

It is usually attached to the wrong side of the fabric and becomes part of the construction of the project.

Interfacing can help prevent fabric from becoming too soft, stretching out of shape, or losing its form.

Think of it as a little bit of extra support working behind the scenes.

Why Is Interfacing Used?

Interfacing can be used for several reasons:

To add strength to fabric
To give fabric body and structure
To help fabric keep its shape
To prevent stretching
To support areas that receive extra wear
To give collars, cuffs, waistbands, and facings more stability
To provide structure for bags, pouches, and accessories

The type and weight of interfacing you choose will depend on the fabric and the project.

Different Types of Interfacing

There are several types of interfacing available.

Fusible Interfacing

Fusible interfacing has an adhesive on one side. It is attached to the fabric using heat from an iron.

This is one of the easiest types of interfacing to use and is commonly found in home sewing projects.

Important: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fusible interfacing. Protect your iron and ironing surface when necessary.

Sew-In Interfacing

Sew-in interfacing does not have adhesive.

Instead, it is placed with the fabric and secured by stitching.

This can be useful for fabrics or projects where you do not want to use heat or adhesive.

Woven Interfacing

Woven interfacing has a woven structure similar to fabric.

It can provide good support while still allowing the fabric to retain some of its natural movement.

Non-Woven Interfacing

Non-woven interfacing does not have the same woven or knitted structure as fabric.

It is often easy to cut and can be available in a variety of weights.

Choosing the Right Interfacing

Interfacing comes in different weights and levels of firmness.

A lightweight fabric generally needs a lighter interfacing, while a heavier project may require something with more body.

For example:

Lightweight interfacing
May be suitable for lightweight garments and delicate fabrics.

Medium-weight interfacing
Can be useful for many everyday sewing projects, including bags, pouches, collars, and facings.

Heavyweight interfacing
Can provide additional structure for projects that need to be firm and sturdy.

The goal is not always to make the fabric as stiff as possible.

The right interfacing should provide the amount of support your project needs while still working well with the fabric.

Interfacing for Bags and Pouches

Interfacing is especially useful when making bags, purses, cosmetic bags, pouches, and other accessories.

It can help a project:

Hold its shape
Stand up better
Feel more substantial
Support pockets and closures
Give the finished item a more polished appearance

Depending on the desired result, you might use interfacing along with other stabilizers such as fusible fleece, foam, or batting.

How to Apply Fusible Interfacing

If you are using fusible interfacing, the basic process is:

Cut the interfacing according to the pattern instructions.
Identify the adhesive side.
Place the adhesive side against the wrong side of the fabric.
Press with the iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Allow the fabric to cool before moving or handling it.

Do not slide the iron back and forth unless the manufacturer's instructions specifically say to do so. Many fusible interfacings are applied by pressing and lifting the iron.

A Few Helpful Tips

Test First

Before applying interfacing to your actual project, test a small piece on a scrap of the same fabric.

This allows you to see how the interfacing changes the fabric's:

Weight
Stiffness
Drape
Appearance

Match the Weight

Try to choose an interfacing that works with your fabric.

Too much interfacing can make a lightweight fabric unnecessarily stiff, while too little support may not give a structured project the body it needs.

Follow the Instructions

Interfacing products can differ.

Pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions for:

Temperature
Steam or no steam
Pressing time
Pressure
Washing and care

Remember the Seam Allowance

Depending on the pattern and the type of interfacing being used, you may be instructed to cut the interfacing slightly differently from the fabric.

Always follow the pattern or interfacing manufacturer's instructions when provided.

Interfacing Is Not the Same as Batting

These two materials can sometimes be confused.

Interfacing is generally used to strengthen, stabilize, or add body to fabric.

Batting is primarily used as a filling layer, especially in quilts and padded projects.

They can sometimes be used together, but they serve different purposes.

INTERFACING AT A GLANCE

Interfacing: A support material used with fabric.

Main purpose: To add body, strength, stability, or structure.

Common types: Fusible, sew-in, woven, and non-woven.

Used for: Garments, bags, pouches, collars, cuffs, waistbands, facings, and many other sewing projects.

Important: Choose the weight and type that works with your fabric and project.

Final Thoughts

Interfacing may not be the most visible part of a sewing project, but it can make a noticeable difference in the finished result.

Learning when and how to use interfacing is another important step in building your sewing skills.

The next time a pattern calls for interfacing, don't think of it as just another piece to cut.

Think of it as the support behind the project that helps your fabric do its job.