Fusible Interfacing

Interfacing forms an important part of most of the fabrics that you stitch into clothing pieces. For all those sheer or delicate fabrics, adding an interfacing becomes essential. This helps hold the fabric in place and makes it suitable for various clothing designs. Making a thin fabric thicker just allows you to stitch it comfortably and helps the stitches remain intact for longer duration. If you stitch delicate fabric without interfacing the stitches might get easily stretched. Such a fabric without interfacing has more chances of tearing.

Most of the time interfacing is added to convert a transparent or semi-transparent fabric opaque. Many a time, fancy interfacing is added to transparent or semi-transparent fabric to create a classy dual colored effect. There are two major types of interfacing, fusible and non-fusible. Let us find out what makes fusible interfacing a much more popular and better alternative for the other type.

Why Fusible Interfacing

First let me tell you how fusible and non-fusible type of interfacing are different. The non-fusible type of interfacing is basically stitched along with the main fabric but does not fuse with it. Both of these (interfacing of non-fusible type and main fabric) are held together with stitches. Hence, the non-fusible type of interfacing is also known as sew-in interfacing. In case of fusible type of interfacing a bond is created between the main fabric and interfacing due to the fabric adhesive layer over the interfacing. This bond helps the interfacing fabric, stick to the main fabric and stay against it without the need of holding it with stitches or pins. Now when these two are bonded together, stitching the fabric into clothing is definitely an easier job. As you do not have to hold both the fabric in-line with your hands as you sew or with help of pins the stitching task is much easier.

Choosing a Suitable Interfacing

When fusible type of interfacing bonds with the primary fabric, you get a crisp fabric that's ready to stitch. Now choosing the right interfacing depends on a lot of factors. Major factor is the needed degree of final crispness after adding interface to a fabric. A delicate free flowy fabric can look just unruly if paired with a stiff interface. So maintaining the basic characteristics of a fabric is essential while you add an interfacing. Also pairing the right colored piece is quite essential. You can check out all the options in these and then decide what can be the best pair for your fabric. Hold interfacing pieces below the fabric to decide which one suits the best.

How to Use

Before you start attaching the interface to the fabric, taking trail is essential to avoid any problems like creased fabric. Take a small piece of your primary fabric and equally sized fusible type of interfacing. Now follow these directions.

• Set your iron to the lowest temperature. The silk or woolen setting must be enough. Now place the interfacing on a table with right side up.
• Right side is one which has the adhesive layer over it. Place the fabric on this interfacing with its right side up.
• Make sure you match the borders of both the fabrics. Place a press cloth that is larger in size on the main fabric.
• You can skip the use of a press cloth if the main fabric is thick. Now move the iron over this fabric.
• One of the important instructions is to make sure that you move the iron in one direction (no back and forth movements).
• If you find that the fabrics are not bonding, increase the temperature by a level or two and iron the piece. Once the trail piece is cool, lightly pull the fabric apart from the interfacing to check the bond.
• Now that you have seen the results and know the right temperature setting, move on to attach this interfacing to the main fabric.

With the aforementioned information and instructions you can easily use fusible type of interfacing during your next sewing project. All the best!