Interfacing is sewn or fused to the wrong side of fabric to add body, stability, and shape to garment pieces. It is used within collars, cuffs, lapels, waistbands, and pockets, behind buttons and buttonholes, and around necklines to prevent stretching. Choose interfacing that is lighter weight than the fashion fabric. To make sure they are compatible, hold them together and make sure the interfacing supports the fabric but doesn’t change the way it hangs.
Interfacing is either woven, non-woven, or knit. Woven interfacing should be cut on the same grain as the fabric. Non-wovens can be cut in any direction. Knit interfacing stretches on the crosswise grain and is suitable for lightweight knits and woven fabrics.
| Interfacing Type | Uses |
|---|---|
| Sheer or featherweight | Lightweight woven and knitted fabrics |
| Lightweight | Dress-weight fabrics |
| Medium-weight | Suitings and medium-weight to heavy fabrics. |
| Heavyweight | Accessories, toys, and all craft. |
| Waist Banding | Waistbands, cuffs, plackets, and straight facings. |
| Hair Canvas | Tailoring |
Stabilizers and other Fusibles
Fusible web bonds together two layers of fabric. It is used instead of stitching for hemming and for securing trim and appliques before sewing them in place. Fusible web is available with with or without paper backing. Hemming tape, which is similar to fusible web, is used specifically to fuse hems. Stabilizers provide extra stability behind decorative stitching. Fabric adhesives, such as fabric glue or glue sticks, temporarily hold fabric layers or permanently secure trim on items that won’t be washed or handled excessively.