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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: MaryW
Date: 03-09-2005, 09:40 AM (1 of 24)
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Interfacing is always an interesting topic, don't you think. Everyone has their own opinion on which ones are best. My own ideas are just that, mine. I personally think non-fusibles are the way to go. I just can't see having glue in my clothing. I never did use it very much. It will never appeal to me for clothing. I would rather baste in the interfacing rather than take my chances with bubbles and shrinkage on my fabric. Lots of times I won't even use it if I am sewing a knit fabric. But then, I don't like zippers either. I just don't care for wearing metal or plastic next to my body much. Quirky, you betcha.  Which interfacing do you use and why? MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 03-09-2005, 11:18 AM (2 of 24)
I use the fusible all the time. I don't like the sew in because it moves under my fabic. The fusible moves with the fabric and doesn't russle when I move. I don't fine it as stiff as the other. Then again it's just my opinion. 
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User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-09-2005, 12:04 PM (3 of 24)
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I like fusible for lighter things and sew in if it is heavier. That is because I found a light fusible that doesn't bubble up after I wash it and make pressing difficult. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Hogmami
Date: 03-09-2005, 12:09 PM (4 of 24)
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I use both. It depends on fabric and what the project is.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
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From: MaryW
Date: 03-09-2005, 12:56 PM (5 of 24)
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Which one is that Dorothy? I am always willing to try another one.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: toadusew
Date: 03-09-2005, 01:38 PM (6 of 24)
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I tend to use fusible interfacing because I usually need small amounts for children's garments. I also use Sandra Betzina's technique to fuse and rarely have a problem. Recently, I had one fusible that tended to bubble during the application process, but I think that might have been user error.
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 03-09-2005, 04:10 PM (7 of 24)
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I used both too. The only fusibles I use are the ones that are not little bubbles in the back but just a shine. Sta Form is the one I use the most in fusible's. JoAnn's sells it and since I work there lol. I found with the bubbles in the back of the fusibles it tends to show, and sometimes will come unfused. I basically use fusible for the GD clothes that will not be worn as long as mine would be. I don't like zippers either. if I can change to buttons I do. Summer Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-09-2005, 04:39 PM (8 of 24)
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Mary -- I'll check for brand names next time I'm in the shop. I never bring the plastic with brand and directions on it home because it is just extra garbage for me. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-09-2005, 11:41 PM (9 of 24)
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I always used sew in until I found the tricot fusables. Now I use them quite a bit along with the sew in.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MaryW
Date: 03-13-2005, 07:24 AM (10 of 24)
I also had a nice tricot fusible. I was looking forward to using it but no luck. It must be me because this interfacing was not cheap and everyone recommended it. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-13-2005, 09:44 AM (11 of 24)
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Mary, What is the problem? I think the bubbles are a matter of finding a good brand that stays stuck. You can preshrink, you know. Steam seems to work for me, but I usually wash in cold water. If the interfacing is shrinking up the fabric when it is applied so the facing you cut doesn't fit the garment here are a couple hints: Some people cut the facing a little bigger so it will fit after the fusible is applied. I always apply the fusible before I cut the facing piece. That way it always fits and doesn't shrink the cut piece. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Marlyn
Date: 03-14-2005, 04:49 PM (12 of 24)
| Mary, like you I also had a great deal of difficulty with the fusibles and was a staunch user of the sew in type. That is until I read something about using a light weight, or medium weight fusible (depends on weight of fabric), and that you should set your iron to the highest setting (in my case linen) and do NOt use steam. I have found this works very well. Also applying the interfacing to the wrong side of your garment is a good idea. I too had applied it to the right side as per the pattern directions and found I had so many bubbles after one wash, I would remove the collar, make a new one and sew it on. A lot of work, I agree, but why waste all of my work? I especially like the lightweight fusible when making children's clothing, but have used the non-fusible when constructing jackets, etc. |
User: Marlyn
Member since: 06-11-2004 Total posts: 37 
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From: mamagoose
Date: 03-14-2005, 05:21 PM (13 of 24)
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Mary, I hated fusible interfacing before I found the tricot. I use so-sheer or fusi-knit on just about everything now. Love the stuff! I still use some sew-in and underlinings. Only comes in 22" width at JoAnn's here, but I prefer ordering elsewhere online where I can get it wider. Did you see the reference in March, 2005 of Sew Savvy to sew-whats-new.com? mamagoose |
User: mamagoose
Member since: 01-26-2002 Total posts: 168 |
From: dsews2
Date: 03-14-2005, 09:29 PM (14 of 24)
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Mary, Are you using nonwoven interfacing? I hate the nonwoven fusibles but have much better luck with the woven fusible - it sees to lay better. Joanns carries the woven fusible but you have to really dig through the bolts as there are around 20 nonwoven ones for every woven. |
User: dsews2
Member since: 09-21-2004 Total posts: 4 |
From: MaryW
Date: 03-15-2005, 05:37 AM (15 of 24)
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Mamagoose, no I didn't know about the mention. Tell me what it said, please, please, pretty please.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MaryW
Date: 03-15-2005, 05:48 AM (16 of 24)
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I preshrink my interfacings. I also fuse before cutting. I think it is the heat factor. I have used both steam and dry heat. It must be I am not fusing with enough pressure for a long enough period.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: bunzino
Date: 03-15-2005, 10:02 PM (17 of 24)
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Mary, You can either pre=shrink or shoot steam at it -- but then you have to let it cool and press (not iron) with a dry iron. I wouldn't use the cheap stuff from Joannes -- it bubbles. If you did everything acc to the directions on the pkg and it still bubbled, you should call/go in and talk to someone (assuming it isn't Joanns  nancy |
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002 Total posts: 119 |
From: mamagoose
Date: 03-16-2005, 06:57 AM (18 of 24)
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Mary, In the March, 2005 issue of Clotilde's Sewing Savvy on page 55, there is a half-page dedicated to "Bobbin' Along the Web". There are 6 websites. swn goes like this: "If you haven't visited what is touted to be "The Place To Be!" type in www.sew-whats-new.com to find seasonal sewing projects, workshops, discussions, a chat room, galleries, book reviews and articles galore. Share your ideas with others, find a sewing guild and sign up for the free weekly newsletter." Congrats Mary, you're famous!!! mamagoose |
User: mamagoose
Member since: 01-26-2002 Total posts: 168 |
From: Mother in Law
Date: 03-16-2005, 04:28 PM (19 of 24)
WOW!!!! But you didn't have to tell us that we all knew she was famous all a long.  Can you tell I'm sucking up???? I get that magazine I'm going to have to look at it again. I missed that one.
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User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: MartySews
Date: 03-19-2005, 02:36 PM (20 of 24)
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Mary, I use Fusi-Knit brand of stabilizer and buy according to the weight of the fabric. There is one lightweight fabric, a medium weight, shirt-tailor, and one for heavier fabrics. When tailoring certain garments, I'll use a sew-in interfacing but most of the garments I sew have Fusi-Knit in them and have held up 10 years or more with frequent wearings and go thru the wash. Nancys Notions and Clotilde.com sells it as well as my local Hancock Fabric store. I also prewash it before applying to a garment by soaking it in warm sudsy water, rinse and fluffing it in the dryer. I haven't had any problems. Hope this helps. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: mommydionne
Date: 03-24-2005, 04:53 PM (21 of 24)
I love the knit fusibles and use them for just about everything, I recently fused an entire jacket and skirt (loose weave wool boucle) and it came out amazingly well! Makes that nonwoven stuff you get look like craft paper! now I use the nonwoven I have to support my favourite pattern tissues only! 
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: cclebl
Date: 04-28-2005, 03:10 PM (22 of 24)
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so when you pre-shrink the fusible stuff, you can put it in the dryer? It doesn make the stuff that makes it 'fuse' come off? Or do you just use air dry?
Carolyn
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User: cclebl
Member since: 04-25-2005 Total posts: 27 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 04-28-2005, 10:47 PM (23 of 24)
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I just wet mine, roll it in a towel to squeeze the excess water out and drape it over the shower rod, etc and let it air dry. Others may have a different method. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 04-29-2005, 07:32 AM (24 of 24)
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I usually hit mine with steam from the iron -- holding the iron away from the fabric so I don't fuse it to the ironing board. Then I apply it to the fabric before I cut the piece out so I cut the fabric and the interfacing at the same time. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
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