Interfacing is an extra layer of fabric that is sewn into your garment. It appears in collars, facings, button plackets, and other spots in the garment that need a bit of support and shaping. Learn all about it as you read on.
TL;DR: Interfacing
- Use interfacing where your fabric needs extra strength or structure, such as collars, cuffs, facings, buttonholes, and bag openings.
- Choose the right type: non-woven is general purpose; woven aligns with fabric grain for fine fabrics; knit allows stretch for jersey/sweats.
- Match the weight of interfacing to the fabric: too heavy and you’ll stiffen or deform the fabric; too light and it won’t provide enough support.
- For fusible interfacing: apply it with care, fabric wrong side up, glue side down, use a press cloth, and avoid sliding the iron to prevent bubbles or distortion.
In this article:
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What is Interfacing and When to Use It
Fusible Interfacing
Fusible interfacing has glue on one or two sides that are melted onto your fabric when pressed with an iron. Always use a pressing cloth between your interfacing and iron. Don’t forget to do the same between your fabric and your ironing board to keep the adhesive off those surfaces.
- Lightweight Woven Fusible
One of the most commonly used weights in garment construction. It is lightweight, so it is ideal for collars and facings. It is also woven, so it is the actual fabric that will not disintegrate with washing and wearing.
Because it is made of woven fabric, you must take the grainline into account when cutting. Think of how you do it with your pattern pieces on the garment fabric. It is available in both white and black for use with light and dark fabrics.
Woven fusible interfacing is also available in medium and heavyweight options. You can use it with heavier fabric or when extra body is needed.
- Knit Fusible
Perfect for knit, jersey, and other stretch fabrics. It is a lightweight knit that has some give and stretch. It also comes in both white and black to match your fabric’s color.
- Fusible Tape
Often used for ironing hems, this nonwoven tape is fusible on both sides. So it can be placed between two fabrics to fuse them together. The fusible tape is often used for no-sew hems or to create a patch.
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How to Iron Fusible
Place a pressing cloth on your ironing board to protect it from the adhesive. Put your fabric on the pressing cloth, the wrong side up. Then move your fusible interfacing onto the fabric, glue it down.
Place another pressing cloth down on top of your interfacing. This will prevent your iron from sticking to the adhesive. Gently lay it down, careful not to move the pieces underneath out of place.
Use an iron set to the temperature instructed on the instructions. Then place your iron onto your pressing cloth and hold it in place. Use both hands to apply pressure when you move the iron in small circles for about 10 seconds.
Pick up the iron and move to the next section of the interfacing. Again, being careful not to shift the pieces around. Do not move the iron back and forth; simply pick it up and set it back down.
After ironing the entire surface, peel back the pressing cloth and check to make sure the bond is permanent. Otherwise, the interfacing will separate from the fabric as you wash and wear the item.
Sew-In
Just like fusible interfacing, sew-in interfacing gives support to garment pieces. But it is sewn into place rather than ironed onto the fabric. This is best used in enclosed areas of construction, like inside a collar, in a men’s tie, or between your fabric and lining.
- Hair Canvas
This is often found in jacket and coat tailoring to add stiffness and body. Sew-in interfacing is typically used in collars, cuffs, pocket flaps, and other locations that require extra support.
- Belt
When making fabric-covered belts, inserting this stiff interfacing helps the inside of the belt hold its shape. Fold the fabric around the belt and cut it into whatever shape you desire.
- Lightweight Woven Sew-In
Exactly like the lightweight woven fusible version, this consists of lightweight woven cotton fabric. It provides body and strength to areas in garment construction. Think collars, pockets, cuffs, and facings.
Place the pattern pieces with either grain, cross, or lengthwise when cutting out. This is also available in medium and heavy-weight varieties, for when additional strength is needed.
Want to learn more about interfacing? Here’s a video by Seamwork:
It can be pretty complicated to absorb all these. But all you need to do is focus and take it one step at a time. Have fun!
Interfacing FAQ
Q: What is interfacing?
A: A support fabric added to areas that need structure, like collars, waistbands, plackets, and bags—so they hold shape and look polished.
Q: What are the main types?
A: Fusible (iron-on), sew-in (no adhesive), and specialty (woven, nonwoven, knit/stretch). Choose based on fabric, drape, and intended use.
Q: How do I match weight to fabric?
A: Use equal to or lighter than your fabric. If unsure, start lighter; you can double-layer if you need more body.
Q: When should I use woven vs. nonwoven?
A: Woven mirrors fabric behavior and drape; nonwoven adds stable structure and won’t fray. For natural movement, pick woven.
Q: What about knit/stretch fabrics?
A: Use knit or tricot so the piece retains stretch and doesn’t become stiff or distorted.
Q: How do I apply fusible interfacing correctly?
A: Press, don’t iron. Use a damp press cloth, medium heat, and firm, even pressure for 10–15 seconds per section. Let cool flat to set.
Q: Why is my fusible bubbling or peeling?
A: Heat, time, or moisture was off, or the fabric wasn’t prewashed. Re-fuse with a press cloth, more pressure, and allow a full cool-down.
Q: Should I prewash interfacing?
A: Prewash your fashion fabric first. Most interfacings don’t need washing, but steam-shrinking fusibles prevent later puckering.
Q: Where do I place interfacing, fabric, or lining?
A: Typically, to the wrong side of the fashion fabric piece being stabilized. Sew-in types are basted within seam allowances.
Q: Can I layer interfacing?
A: Yes. Stack light layers to fine-tune structure (e.g., collar stand), testing on scraps for stiffness and feel.
Q: How do I cut interfacing?
A: Follow the same grainline as your fabric for woven/knit types. For nonwovens, grain is less critical, but a consistent direction helps.
Q: Any pressing safety tips?
A: Always use a press cloth to protect your iron from adhesive. Test heat on
scraps, and keep the glue side facing the fabric—not the iron
Have you ever used interfacing in any of your projects? Let us know in the comments below!
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published 0n February 28, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
