Why Should You Use Interfacing?
Interfacing is used to provide shaping, reinforcement, firming, and support. Collars, cuffs, facings, and plackets are the most commonly interfaced areas but far from the only uses. Without interfacing, buttonholes might rip without the strengthening interfacing gives them. Facings, collars, and cuffs would be limp and floppy without interfacing, and many creative projects would never happen.
Basic Interfacing Choices
Interfacing comes in various weights and sew-in or fusible form types. The weight is almost always lighter than the fabric you are sewing but should always have the same cleaning-care requirement. One exception is something such as a baseball hat bill or fabric dish. That interfacing is much heavier than the fabric to achieve the stiff hat bill or dish shape.
Which One to Use
Although the choice ends up being a matter of preference, the fabric itself makes the final decision as to which interfacing to use. Before you get started, always pre-wash your fabric to remove any finishes or chemical coatings before attempting to fuse an interfacing to it.
Fusible Interfacing: Fusible interfacing adds a bit more stiffness once it is fused than when it is standing alone. Not all fabrics can withstand the heat required for fusible interfacing. Cool-Fuse interfacing is a possibility because it adheres at a lower heat setting. Sew-In Interfacing: When you are sewing fabrics such as vinyl, velvets, beaded, sequined, and treated fabrics, it is best to use sew-in interfacing. Very Lightweight Interfacing: There are very lightweight interfacings available that will not take over the airiness and draping qualities of lightweight fabrics but will add just enough support and shape without overpowering it.
Test Your Choice
At the store, place a layer of the interfacing under a layer of your fabric choice. Test with the hand to see how the combination lies. At home, if you chose fusible interfacing, test the combination on a good-size scrap before using it in your final project. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and allow the sample to cool. Check the fuse as well as the smoothness of the fuse. Also, check that none of the fusing has seeped through the fabric.
