Interfacing is a non-woven or woven fabric that’s used to support, strengthen and add shape to a garment. It’s usually sewn into the wrong side of the fabric, so it can’t be seen, and it’s used in areas such as collars, cuffs and waistbands.
Is Interfacing Necessary?
Interfacing is an important component of many sewing projects, so it’s worth keeping a special place for it in your RMF sewing storage cabinet. Without interfacing, collars and cuffs would lose structure and go limp, even if you’re using particularly heavy material.
What are the Types of Interfacing?
Most sewing machine hobbyists have a variety of interfacing stored in their sewing machine cabinets. The main types of interfacing are sew-in and iron-on. Iron-on interfacing, or fusible interfacing, has a heat-activated glue on one side. As the name suggests, sew-in interfacing needs to be sewn to the material.
What Type of Interfacing Should I Use?
Fusible interfacing is probably the easiest to use, but it really depends on the type of fabric you’re working with and the shape you’re trying to achieve.
How Do You Store Interfacing?
You can store interfacing in a variety of different ways, as long as it’s kept clean, undamaged and relatively wrinkle-free. Many people choose to store their interfacing in separate labelled bags or wrapped around cardboard tubes, but the best way is to keep them organised in a sewing machine desk or foldaway sewing cabinet.
Can You Substitute Interfacing?
If you don’t want to use interfacing or don’t have any interfacing at home, you can substitute it with other materials. The best substitutes are linen, broadcloth or muslin, which would need to be pre-washed so they don’t shrink in the final garment.
For a sewing furniture solution to suit your needs, take a look at our RMF Creative Hobby Room brochure today.