Interfacing

Interfacing

Interfacing is a special type of fabric applied to specific parts of the garment to give body or add durability.

Interfacing is applied to areas needing extra body or support such as facing necklines, armholes, collars, lapels, hems, waistbands, cuffs, and pocket flaps. It is also applied to areas that need reinforcement,such as button and buttonhole areas.

There are many varieties of interfacings. The home sewer must select a compatible interfacing for the garment.

1. Interfacing is available in different colours:
   
   
   • white
   • gray
   • beige


2. Interfacing is available in different weights:
   
   
   • light
   • medium
   • heavy


3. Interfacings differ in the way they make the garment feel:
   
   
   • stiff
   • soft


4. Interfacings are available in different forms:
   
   
   • woven
   • nonwoven
   • knitt


5. Interfacings are attached to the garment in different ways:
   
   
   • Fusible interfacings
     
     
     • have an adhesive backing which adheres to the fashion fabric under heat and pressure of an iron
     • must be tested on scraps of fashion fabric for blistering, extra body, and feel
     • must be applied to facing rather that garment to prevent imprinting
     • should be trimmed 0.5 cm smaller before pressing in place
   
   
   • Sewn-in interfacings
     
     
     • are placed on the wrong side of the fashion fabric and sewn 1 cm from cut edge
     • must be trimmed in seam allowance to avoid excess bulk
     • will be stitched into garment during garment construction

Choose interfacing according to the weight of the fashion fabric, the kind of shaping required, and the way the garment is to be worn and cleaned. Generally, interfacing should be the same weight or lighter than the fashion fabric.

Always test various interfacing scraps with scraps of your fashion fabric. Observe and feel the results. Choose the interfacing that is most compatible to the fashion fabric.