A beginner's guide to choosing the right interfacing for your fabric
If you're new to sewing, you may be wondering what interfacing is and how to choose the right one for your fabric. Interfacing is a material that is added to fabric to provide structure, support, and stability to the garment. It is used for collars, cuffs, waistbands, and other areas that need to hold their shape. In this post, we will guide you through the process of choosing the right interfacing for your fabric.
Sew-In or Fusible Interfacing
The first decision you need to make is whether to choose sew-in or fusible interfacing.
Fusible interfacing is the easiest to use as it has a glued backing that bonds to your fabric when you iron it on. However, it may not work on all fabrics, such as textured fabrics, furs, velvets, and fabrics that can't be ironed.
For these types of fabrics, a sew-in interfacing would be a better choice. You would stitch this into the main fabric just like another layer of fabric. The stitches hold it in place. This type of interfacing gives more of a natural shape compared to the iron on as it doesn’t bond to the fabric so keeps its shape.
Woven or Non-Woven Interfacing
The next decision you need to make is whether to choose woven or non-woven interfacing.
Non-woven interfacing is made by bonding fibres together and can be cut in any direction without unravelling. It can be used for most fabrics, except stretch fabrics.
Woven interfacing has a lengthwise and crosswise grain, just like normal woven fabric. When using woven interfacing, make sure the grain lines are going in the same direction as your fabric to allow for stretch or give in the garment.
Knit Interfacing
Another type of interfacing is knit interfacing. It is made by knitting fibres together and has more give and stretch than woven interfacing. It is ideal for use with stretch fabrics like jersey.
Choosing the Weight of Interfacing
The weight of the interfacing is also an important consideration. The weight should match the weight of the fabric or be a bit lighter. If the interfacing is too heavy, it will change the natural structure of the fabric. If the fabric is very lightweight, a second layer of the fabric can be used as interfacing.
Colour of Interfacing
Finally, consider the colour of the interfacing. It comes in dark shades like black and grey, as well as light colours like white and cream. Match the colour of the interfacing to your fabric so that it won't be visible from the outside.
In conclusion, choosing the right interfacing for your fabric can make all the difference in the outcome of your project. Consider the type of interfacing, weight, and colour to ensure that your garment looks and feels great. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of sewing.
- 8th March 2023