When it comes to sewing, many of us will have heard the term “interfacing” before, but may not be entirely sure what it means. Interfacing is a glue-like fabric that is sewn onto the reverse side of the main fabric of a garment. The purpose of interfacing is to stiffen the fabric and provide structure to the garment. There are two main types of interfacing: woven and nonwoven.
Woven interfacing is made by weaving fibers together in a specific pattern. The fibers can be made from a range of materials, including cotton, polyester, and silk. Woven interfacing is usually heavier and thicker than nonwoven interfacing and is the better choice for adding structure to garments that need to hold their shape, such as bags or jackets. It can also be used to add structure to lightweight fabrics, helping them to hold a shape or stand upright. Because woven interfacing is made from natural fibers, it is breathable and is less likely to cause irritation or discomfort when worn.
Nonwoven interfacing, on the other hand, is made by fusing fibers together with the help of heat and chemicals. It typically has a smoother texture than woven interfacing and is lighter in weight. Nonwoven interfacing is the ideal choice for projects that require more flexibility, such as dresses and blouses. It can also be used for lightweight fabrics to help prevent them from fraying. Nonwoven interfacing is often the more affordable option, and it is also easier to use and cut because it doesn’t fray.
Interfacing definition
Interfacing is a material used for stabilizing and supporting fabrics in sewing projects. It’s a layer of material that’s added between the primary fabric and lining to provide structure and firmness, making it easier to work with and wear. Interfacing can be made of different materials, including woven or nonwoven fibers, and is available in a variety of weights and textures depending on the level of support required for the project.
Interfacing comes in several forms, including sew-in, fusible, and adhesive. Sew-in interfacing is not bonded to the fabric and needs to be stitched in place. Fusible interfacing has an adhesive layer that melts when heat is applied and fuses to the fabric. Adhesive interfacing has a sticky layer that adheres to the fabric when pressure is applied, eliminating the need for stitching.
Interfacing is commonly used in collar, cuff, and waistband construction, along with bags, hats, and other accessories. Choosing the right interfacing is critical to achieving a professional-looking finish for your sewing project. Two of the most popular types of interfacing are woven and nonwoven interfacing.
Woven Interfacing Definition
Woven interfacing is a type of interfacing that is made of tightly woven fibers. It is used to add structure, thickness, and stability to fabrics. Woven interfacing comes in a variety of weights, which ranges from very lightweight, such as silk organza, to heavy, like canvas. Woven interfacing is different from nonwoven interfacing, which is made of fibers that are fused together.
- Woven interfacing is more durable than nonwoven interfacing. It can withstand the wear and tear of regular use and can last longer.
- Woven interfacing provides more structure and stability to fabrics, making it a good choice for fabrics that are soft or lightweight.
- Woven interfacing is available in different weights, which range from very lightweight, like silk organza, to heavy, like canvas. This means that you can choose the weight that is appropriate for the fabric you are working with.
Woven interfacing can be fusible or sew-in. Fusible woven interfacing has an adhesive on one side that is activated by heat, while sew-in woven interfacing is attached to the fabric by stitching. Fusible woven interfacing is more convenient to use because it can be attached quickly and easily with an iron. Sew-in woven interfacing is more time-consuming, but it provides a stronger bond and is better suited for heavier fabrics.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides structure and stability to fabrics | More expensive than nonwoven interfacing |
| Durable and can last longer than nonwoven interfacing | Can add too much bulk to delicate fabrics |
| Available in a variety of weights | More time-consuming to use than fusible interfacing |
Overall, woven interfacing is a versatile and durable option for adding structure and stability to fabrics. Its weight and application method can be tailored to the specific fabric being used, making it a popular interfacing choice for sewists and designers.
Nonwoven Interfacing Definition
Interfacing is a material used in sewing to provide structure and support to fabrics. It is often used in cuffs, collars, and waistbands of clothing to keep them from sagging or losing their shape. Nonwoven interfacing is a type of interfacing that is made of synthetic fibers that are pressed together to form a sheet.
- Nonwoven interfacing has a grain direction, which means it should be cut in the same direction as your fabric to prevent stretching or warping.
- It is usually ironed onto the wrong side of fabric using heat and pressure to adhere.
- Nonwoven interfacing comes in different weights and thicknesses, depending on the level of support needed. The higher the weight, the stiffer the interfacing will be.
A nonwoven interfacing is great for beginners since it is easy to work with and generally less expensive than other types of interfacing. Nonwoven interfacing is also available in fusible and non-fusible varieties. Fusible interfacing has an adhesive on one side that is activated by an iron, while non-fusible interfacing needs to be sewn into the fabric. Fusible interfacing creates a very strong bond, but can sometimes be difficult to remove or reposition if not placed precisely.
When selecting an interfacing, it is important to consider the weight of the fabric you are interfacing and the level of support needed for your project. The following table provides a quick guide to selecting the appropriate heavyweight nonwoven interfacing for your project:
| Weight of Fabric | Interfacing Weight/Thickness |
|---|---|
| Sheer/Thin | Lightweight or Featherweight |
| Lightweight | Lightweight or Featherweight |
| Medium-Weight | Medium-Weight |
| Heavyweight | Heavy-Weight |
In conclusion, nonwoven interfacing is a useful tool in sewing that provides structure and support to fabrics. It is made of synthetic fibers that are pressed together to form a sheet, and comes in different weights and thicknesses to suit different projects. When selecting a nonwoven interfacing, it is important to consider the weight of the fabric and the level of support needed for your project.
Types of Interfacing
Interfacing is a critical component when it comes to achieving professional and polished results in sewing. It is the material that is added between the fabric to give it body and stability, as well as enhance its appearance. There are two main types of interfacings: woven and nonwoven.
- Woven: This type of interfacing is woven, similar to fabric, and is made up of fibers that are either knitted or woven together. They are available in a range of weights depending on the type of fabric being used. Woven interfacing can be made from cotton, silk, or polyester fibers, and are usually fusible, which makes them easy to apply onto the fabric using an iron. The fusible woven interfacing is an ideal choice when working with lightweight fabrics like cotton lawn or silk crepe.
- Nonwoven: As the name suggests, this type of interfacing is not woven, but made by bonding fibers together using heat, chemicals, or adhesives. Nonwoven interfacing is available in a range of weights, but is generally lighter than woven interfacing. It can be made from polyester, nylon or even rayon fibers and is also available in fusible and sew-in varieties.
When choosing an interfacing, it is important to consider the type of fabric being used as well as the weight of the fabric. Sometimes, a combination of both woven and nonwoven interfacing is necessary to achieve the desired look and stability.
One of the best ways to understand which type of interfacing is best to use for a specific project is to make a swatch of the fabric being used and test different types of interfacing on it. Below is a table to help determine the appropriate interfacing to use.
| Fabric Type | Interfacing Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight cotton, silk or wool | Lightweight woven fusible interfacing | 1-2 oz. |
| Cotton voile or lawn | Sheer non-fusible interfacing | 0.5-1 oz. |
| Knits and stretchy fabrics | Stretch interfacing | 1-4 oz. |
| Heavyweight fabrics | Heavyweight woven or nonwoven interfacing | 4-6 oz. |
By using the table above and understanding the differences between woven and nonwoven interfacing, selecting the right interfacing for a specific sewing project will be a breeze.
Pros and Cons of Woven Interfacing
Woven interfacing refers to a type of interfacing made from woven fabrics like cotton, silk, or wool. It is a popular option for adding structure and stability to garments and can be used on a variety of fabrics. Here are the pros and cons of using woven interfacing:
- Pros
- Woven interfacing is more durable than nonwoven interfacing and can last longer.
- It provides more structure and stability to fabrics, making it ideal for heavier fabrics like wool or denim.
- Woven interfacing has a more natural feel compared to nonwoven interfacing and can work well in lightweight fabrics like cotton or silk.
- It is available in a variety of weights and stiffness to suit different fabric types and project needs.
- Cons
- Woven interfacing can be more expensive than nonwoven interfacing.
- It can be harder to find in stores compared to nonwoven interfacing, which is more widely available.
- Woven interfacing can shrink or distort during washing, making it important to prewash before using it on a garment.
- It can be challenging to sew or fuse woven interfacing to some fabrics, requiring extra care or specific techniques.
Overall, woven interfacing is a versatile and durable option for adding structure and stability to garments or fabric projects. It can be a bit pricier and more challenging to work with, but its benefits ultimately make it worth considering for a range of projects.
Pros and Cons of Nonwoven Interfacing
Nonwoven interfacing is made from fibers that are bonded together, rather than woven or knitted. The result is a interfacing material that is soft, flexible, and easy to work with. Here are some of the pros and cons of using nonwoven interfacing:
- Pros:
- Easy to sew: Nonwoven interfacing is very easy to sew, even for beginners. It is stable and will not shift or move around while you are sewing it onto your fabric, which means you can create neat, precise seams without any fuss.
- Lightweight: Nonwoven interfacing is very lightweight, which means it won’t add any bulk or weight to your finished garment. This makes it ideal for use in lightweight fabrics, such as silk or cotton voile, where you don’t want to add any extra weight or stiffness.
- Budget friendly: Nonwoven interfacing is usually less expensive than woven interfacing, making it a great choice if you are on a tight budget.
- Versatile: Nonwoven interfacing can be used in a variety of sewing projects, from clothing and accessories to home decor and craft projects.
- Cons:
- Not as strong: Nonwoven interfacing is not as strong as woven interfacing, which means it may not be the best choice for heavy duty projects or items that will be washed frequently.
- May shrink or stretch: Nonwoven interfacing may shrink or stretch after washing, which could alter the shape of your finished garment. It is important to prewash and preshrink your interfacing before using it in your project.
Overall, nonwoven interfacing is a great choice for lightweight, budget-friendly sewing projects. Just be sure to keep in mind its limitations, and choose a different type of interfacing if you are working on a heavy duty project or need extra support and strength.
Interfacing selection tips
When choosing interfacing for a sewing project, it’s essential to understand the differences between woven and nonwoven interfacing. In previous sections, we’ve already talked about the definitions and differences between the two types. In this section, we will give you some tips on selecting the right interfacing for your project.
- Consider the fabric weight – When selecting the interfacing, consider the weight of the fabric you will be using. A light or sheer fabric requires a lightweight interfacing, like nonwoven interfacing. A heavier fabric like denim requires a more robust woven interfacing.
- Think about the garment’s end-use – What kind of garment are you making, and what kind of support do you need? If you’re making a dress that requires structure, a sturdy woven interfacing is a better choice. If you’re making a casual shirt, nonwoven interfacing can be a good option.
- Check the care instructions – Consider the care requirements of the interfacing material. Some woven interfacings are washable, while others may require dry cleaning. Nonwoven interfacings are generally more durable and can withstand washing and drying.
It’s also essential to test the interfacing on a small piece of fabric before using it on your project. This test will help you determine whether the interfacing is the right stiffness, weight, and color to match your fabric. Here’s a useful table that summarizes the differences between woven and nonwoven interfacing to help you make an informed decision:
| Feature | Woven interfacing | Nonwoven interfacing |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Woven fabric | Man-made fibers or blends |
| Stretch | Slight | No stretch |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Stiffness | Stiffer | Softer |
| Application | Structured garments | Soft garments |
| Care | Dry clean or hand wash | Machine washable and dryable |
In summary, choosing the right interfacing is crucial to the success of your sewing project. Consider the weight and end-use of your garment, the care requirements of the interfacing, and always test the material before using it. By following these tips, you’ll be able to select the right interfacing and achieve professional-looking results in your sewing projects.
What’s the Difference Between Woven and Nonwoven Interfacing?
Q: What is woven interfacing?
Woven interfacing is made from fibers that are woven together to create a sturdy and durable fabric. This type of interfacing is typically used for fabrics that need extra support, such as cotton or linen.
Q: What is nonwoven interfacing?
Nonwoven interfacing is made from fibers that are not woven together. Instead, they are bonded together with heat, adhesive, or other methods. This type of interfacing is typically used for lightweight fabrics like knits or sheers.
Q: What are some other differences between woven and nonwoven interfacing?
Woven interfacing is generally more firm and stable, while nonwoven interfacing is more flexible and soft. Woven interfacing is also more breathable and can be washed and ironed without losing its shape, while nonwoven interfacing is more delicate and can melt under high heat.
Q: Can you use either type of interfacing for any project?
It’s best to use the type of interfacing that is recommended for the specific fabric and project you are working on. Woven interfacing may be too stiff for some lightweight fabrics, while nonwoven interfacing may not offer enough support for heavier fabrics.
Q: Is woven or nonwoven interfacing more expensive?
The cost of interfacing can vary based on the brand and type, but generally, woven interfacing is more expensive due to its durability and longevity. Nonwoven interfacing tends to be more affordable but may need to be replaced more frequently.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading about the difference between woven and nonwoven interfacing! Remember to always choose the type of interfacing that is best suited for your project and fabric. Come back soon for more sewing tips and tricks!