How to select and use fabric interface

The various types of interfaces available have advantages and disadvantages. By understanding interfaces before shopping or starting sewing, you can easily understand your choice and why you choose one interface over another.

Why use interfaces?

The interface is used to provide forming, reinforcement, firmness and support. Collar, cuffs, finishes and placket are the most common contact areas, but far from being a use. If there is no interface, the buttonhole may tear without a reinforced interface. Without the interface, the panels, collars and cuffs will become soft and powerless, and many creative projects will never happen.

Basic interface selection

Interfaces are available in various weights and in stitchable or fusible forms. The weight is almost always lighter than the fabric you sew, but should always have the same cleaning care requirements.

One exception is things like baseball cap bills or fabric trays. The joint is much heavier than fabric to achieve a hard hat or plate shape.

Which one to use

Although the choice is ultimately only a matter of preference, the structure itself makes the final decision on which interface to use.

Before starting to use, make sure to pre wash the fabric to remove all finishes or chemical coatings, and then try to blend it with the surface.

Fusible interface: once fused, the fusible interface will increase more stiffness than when standing alone. Not all fabrics can withstand the heat required for fusible connections. Cold fusion is possible because it adheres with lower heat setting.

Sewing interface: use sewing interface when sewing vinyl, velvet, beaded, Sequin and treated fabrics.

Very lightweight interface: a very lightweight interface can replace the air permeability and drapability of lightweight fabrics, but it can increase enough support and shape without making it too strong.

Test your choice

In the store, place a layer of interface under the fabric layer of your choice. Test the position of the combination by hand.

At home, if you choose a fusible interface, test it on a scrap of the right size before using the combination in the final project.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow the sample to cool. Check the fuse and its flatness. In addition, please check that the fixer does not penetrate the fabric.