Ive bookmarked it for referencing. Now i can finde the right stuf . You can either baste the interfacing to your fabric using a small seam allowance, OR (and this is my favorite method)you can cut a piece of Shape Flex that is the same size as your pattern piece. Thanks for the comprehensive list! No more guessing. Dee. Excellent article, good hear how others use interfacing Jay @ Beach Purl x. Hope you can helpThanks, this post helps so much, thank you for taking the time to explain all the different types of interfacings. I never seem to get the effect that I am looking for in a bag. What weight would you use, and what is wadding? On the top of my need to know . This website is very helpful. Do you ever pre wash your sf101? This was one of the most helpful pieces of information Ive read. Will you tell me where you buy the 520 Deco-Fuse and the SF101 Shape-Flex? Sorry, I forgot to include my email! I just came across this post from Pinterest. And who doesn't have selvages! I'll Everyone needs a travel bag - perfect for an overnight trip or to fit under your seat on the airplane! I will have to bookmark this for reference. A clutch I am making has 13-inch-wide ultra heavyweight interfacing in the list of materials. I am making purses with Pellon 809 I am looking for a woven fuseable interfacing that would be the same weight as 809 so I do not get bends on the seams. I so appreciate your knowledge. I know it boils down to personal preference, but if I make a bag, I want it to be able to carry 20lb. Stood in a fabric store a few weeks back trying to figure out what to use for some bags as I was unhappy with what I had used before. Thanks! The yellow bag above was made using this method; the green solid panels only had the Decor Bond layers, in order to help that top panel stand up firmly. Great post, I have never been sure what the Pellon/Vilene equivalents were but now I have your handy chart I will no longer have to guess! Im going to try the Deco Fuse and Shape Flex. What is craft fuse 808? Six years after your post: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!! Currently, I find myself being constrained in my progress and pers due to the fact that I cant get the interfacing I need. I love the idea of custom made flats because I have hard to fit feet. Then cut a piece of Peltex sew-in from your pattern piece, but trim it 1/2 smaller all the way around. Even if I was making a simple tote bag, I would not be happy if it was just 2 layers of fabric. Thank you so much for sharing. HI Sara, Ihave washed bags made out of just about every interfacing. Thank you so much for your time, I really appreciate it! I never know what to use if the pattern doesnt specify. Im going round in circles and also got quite carried away with my bag making purchases so dont want to purchase too many experiments! I cant for the life of me figure out why I only have a problem with AGF. jai demand une quivalence mon magasin de tissus mais les vendeuses navaient pas de rponse. I say sew slowly, and come up with creative ways to get the stitching done. interfacing sewingambition instructables HI Sara I just wanted to reach out and give you a huge virtual hug and THANK YOU! I found the pieces too thick to sew around. As a mostly newbie sewer I didnt know which to use and couldnt remember which one I used on successes and failures. What kind of interfacing would you suggest? Another personal tip is that I like to iron it (misting with a bit of water) with the interfacing side toward my iron, and when Im sure its properly fused, I like to flip it over and iron on top of the fabric (with my pressing cloth in place, of course!). Click Here to Download the Template - Cork Wallet I wonder if this would be good for adult bibs? I have one by Pellon that describes some of their products. I might use it in different ways, but bar none, it is the most important interfacing in my stash. Im really tossed on how to decide whether to do it her way and go without any interfacings saving time, or at least interface the zipper pocket, but with something much lighter that will let it retain more natural drape and flexibility than things like shapeflex. You know Ive been asking questions which you answered very nicely. It sounds like you have tried just about everything; I have not had a problem fusing interfacing to AGF fabrics in the past. I assembled this chart with the help of the lovely folks atPellon. My first attempt was a duffel bag with linen and thermolam fusible on exterior and shape flex on lining. As with any stiff interfacing, it can be tricky to maneuver your bag through your sewing machine. Then when I buy more of the same I reload it! Love your advice! Have a nice day. I love your post about interfacing etc, I would like to ask some questions. fusible I find that even shapeflex makes things very stiff compared to without it. Most helpful info to me on interfacing EVER. I make myself crazy looking up different types of interfacing. Wow, what a plethora of information! Thank you! I love your blog. Interfacing informant you are! Thank you. I just started making bags. 2020 Sew Sweetness. I am from the UK so I am always looking for a substitute for Pellon interfacing.now I have your very useful table. nicolemdesign I look forward to exploring more of your site! Electronic devices, especially cameras, need a bag with extra padding; and that's where the Ansel Camera Bag pattern comes into play! Someone asked me the other day what is the most interfacing I have used on one piece of fabric, and the answer is 3. Im not looking for it to stand up alone and will hold belongings like a wallet, cell phone, etc. It also holds a finger press, so I usually never have to iron any seams, I just use my fingers. You can machine baste your fabric to the interfacing using 1/8 seam allowance. Ive recently purchased some Art Gallery Fabrics and no matter what I do, they always bubble! This just got bookmarked. I was thinking of spray basting fabric like felt or canvas in place of interfacing. What a great and informative article. I have learned a lot! Sara, your clear information on different interfacings was very helpful to me as I experimented to find the best combination for my tailored felt handbags. Im gonna print this off and read it more carefully and give them a try. Many of the names and item numbers are the same, with one small change (for example, Fusible Fleece under the Legacy brand has number L-987F, so basically they are just adding an L in front of the original Pellon number). When I wrote this pattern, I decided to put as many details on the bag as I possibly could, so it's got: detailed handles, (optional) rivets, a strap, a diagonal zippered flap, optional piping, lining zippered We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Im just starting to make bags and purses, and the first patterns I used said absolutely nothing about interfacing, so Im just catching up and learning new things every day! I am trying to make an essential oil bag, so need something to not only hold the shape, but also act as a bit of padding to protect the bottles. Great article, thank you. Im not really a big fan of washing my bags, though, so I wouldnt do it unless you had some sort of emergency (like grape juice). Youve covered it all here this is wonderful!! Have you made labels for them or just use the running label that is cut with the interfacing? You can also use a layer or two of Decor Bond if you want your bag to stand up by itself, but not be as stiff as Deco Shape or Peltex. Hi Angela! If there are panels or handles of a bag that you would like to give a stiff appearance to, but not want to look crinkly if you happen to fold or crease them, this is the interfacing for you. Ive used Heat Bond a few times in small bags glued to the outer fabric. Depending on your iron, you might need to fuse it for a little bit longer than the manufacturer instructions (Id suggest testing on a small piece first if youve never used it before). I am a beginner so I wouldnt get expert work yet anyways. For this project I have 100% cotton quilting fabric. The timing is perfect to get ready for Purse Palooza. Another great use for fusible fleece is that you can cut small squares of it (approximately 2 x 2) to reinforce a magnetic snap that you might be using in your bag. Is it a true stabilizer in other countries? merci pour votre tableau Pellon / Vlieseline. I suppose it just depends on what look youre going for, but any will work. What do you recommend I use on the liner fabric vs outer fabric so I can still box the corners and turn them easily? Oh, and I like that I got to feel validated in my love for Shape Flex. interfacing I saw Pellon sells this silver lining thermal protective stuff that they say can also go in winter gloves and oven mitts, but none of the pattern directions Ive seen for oven mitts call for it. I was feeling very discourage and I was thinking I made a big mistake making my husband getting a sewing machine for me until I found your post. It is a stiff interfacing like the Peltex Sew-in and the 520 Deco-Fuse. Pellon 987F Fusible Fleece can be found by-the-yard at your local fabric store packaged on a bolt with a pale green label on it. OMGosh . This is my main question, what is the proper interfacing or product to form the flat bottom of a tote bag, that allows the bag to stand up on its own? Having a smaller piece of Peltex sew-in will also help to reduce the bulk in your seam allowance. But quilting fabric is quite sturdy. I feel like interfacing everything does add so much extra work especially when trying to make multiples of the bag to give as gifts. I use the Pellon 937 for Totes and such, and I have scraps left over of various sizes. For this purpose, do you think it would be better to make a 1 inch interfacing strip vs. fusing the layers to the fabric and then folding and pressing to make a 1 inch strip. Im with you, gotta have it all on hand! It very thorough and super helpful! Thanks! Sara, This was so awesome and SO HELPFUL!! I read somewhere to try the plush version which Im assuming is the thermalon or similar. Hi Lisa! I fuse Shape Flex to every single pocket that I make. But Im hung up on the fact that seems most people do not interface quilting fabric linings, but you interface the inside pockets that go on the lining or behind the lining. This is my Byebye Love Bag sewing pattern (of course available as pdf and on paper), which was previously part of the Bag Today, I'm ecstatic to present you to a new pattern, The Rockstar Bag! fromthebluechair This is a great teaching, what foams do you recommend in bags, bosal, by annie or is there another one you reccommend>? Id love a follow up post with some answers from some of the comments! Thanks bunches! Hey Sara, I love the blog. Is this something that is impossible to avoid? Hi, Your blog is really helpful but as a novice Im confused about interfacing. I am so interfacing and fusible not-smart, I am bookmarking this for reference for sure ;]. Thanks! Thank you! Seeing details in beautiful hand bags peeks my interest to know whos behind it all. I never know which interfacing to use for the results I want. Your knowledge is fascinating, thank you for putting this together Sara! In the first method, I will use a metal rectangle and a metal slider to make an adjustable strap that will be sewn into the side seam of your bag. Thank you! I became very frustrated with the whole iron on process sing Pellon interfacing to adhere 2 fabrics together. Hi Rose! I am so thankful that I found this post I am making my very first diaper bag and in need of some interfacing advice. I am making a tote bag that calls for fusible web for the handles and body of the bag, and wadding for the outside and inside pockets. Thank you for this wonderful post! How would it hold up during normal wear and tear? I would appreciate any tips you could have to offer. Im not finding it for less that $22 per yard of 18 wide. Im making a bag this weekend and this will help me better decide how I want my finished project to look. Maybe then I need a more knit fabric type interfacing? In my opinion, Stiff Stuff is very similar to Pellon Peltex #70. Do you then layer cotton or any other heat protective layers over the thermolam? It is exactly in information I was looking for. This is very detailed and I love all the little tips you give along with basic knowledge of what to use when. I recall using this a few years ago and had a hard time sewing and yes I used the pellon on the lining and on the fabric can you help me out it is a project for the local County Fair and I want a blue ribbon. Thank you! It really is the secret to a nice bag. interfacing vilene interlining wadding I get stuck on my projects not being able to get past these silly executive decisions that I get hung up on and then my productivity comes to a standstill. You can even combine it with other interfacings. Ive recently started a project making short utility apron for gardening and teachers. interfacing Hows that!! To organize my interfacings I just keep them on the bolt. 809 Decor Bond. I absolutely love Thermolam. Just too thin for me. thanks for putting the time into this comparisons. It is perfect as a stand-alone interfacing if you are making a small pouch or other smaller accessory. I found your explanation of the different stabilizers so informative! thanks so much for posting this sara im in australia and always have problems finding the correct interfacing my only question is what is the equivalent of Pellon 808 Craft Fuse that kim used in her lindsay tote bag ? I wanted to ask about how you use the Shape Flex and Peltex together. With some of the thicker interfacings, I prefer to use a sew-in product (foam, Peltex) to avoid the wrinkly look. My question I am making a tote and want to use pellon 809 can I use or should I use pellon on my lining as well as the tote fabric ? This is really helpful! I cut a strip of 1-1/2 wide Peltex #70 for each of the handles in the bag below, and slide them into each handle piece before topstitching along each long edge. Am I going in the right direction? Thank you so much! I dont know how to do piping yet but Id like them to hold their shape on their own so Im hoping this will do the trick. Thank you again. I have tried several different types and brands of interfacing, as well as a fat quarter of my favorite sf-101 from a friends stash. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. Honestly, no one is going to see the wrong side of your bag, so it doesnt have to be the prettiest stitching in the world (in my opinion). Looking forward to exploring your website! What a fantastic post!! Ive printed it, pinned it, downloaded it and bookmarked it! I am try to make a messenger bag (Morton Quay from Charlies Aunt) the description says firm sew in craft weight interfacing and optional batting for the body of the bag and fusible interfacing for the flap. For instance, if you have to sew half a line of stitching, stop, feed the bag in from the opposite side to continue stitching, do that. It is my heavy favorite, and if you notice the bag patterns in my shop, youll see that they were all made using Soft and Stable. I have a question. Or just the exterior and use something else for the interior? Shape Flex will make a quilt-weight cotton have the feel, once fused, of a decor-weight or canvas-weight fabric. Thanks for the clearifictionI am always struggling with interfacing so thus helps me figure out whats right or not. Thanks! Thank you for all the information; it helps to clarify it. This is getting top place in my bookmarked folder of Sewing Stuff To KNOW! Hi Jennifer! en France Pellon est difficile trouver et, quand on en trouve, il est trs cher. I thought a durable lining would be great to prevent the yarn from stretching when items are put into the purse. I found the link to this post on Pinterest and I have to say it has been the most helpful so far in explaining some of the differences in interfacing. Ive googled and watched several helpful videos and then I landed here. Hi Kathryn! Can you suggest what kind of batting/interfacing to use with silk or silk-like fabrics that will offer cushioning but still roll up small enough to not take up too much room in a suitcase when empty? If so what kind should I buy? I have just picked up 4 yards of CRAFT fuse from Pellon. Ive been itching to learn to do basic quilting so I could attempt something small and fun like an oven mitt. Thank you! Thanks again. Great post! Im thinking to experiment with thinner interfacings that I guess nobody else is using, but I feel funny as a novice to stray from what all the pros are doing. Thank you. I have used it for a bag once or twice, but it is not something I reach for as a general rule. I have really wanted to try the Deco Fuse (520), but havent been able to find it anywhere!! Wow this is a great post. I never ventured into new territory of quilting etc. Ill definetly print it. It comes on a bolt with a yellow label. This is great! This will be my first bag-making attempt so any and all advice will be welcome. It has a ton of uses. For something such as utility apron, is there any reason why this idea of using spray adhesive is not a good choice? I cant thank you enough for taking the time to share your knowledge. I think Im printing this out and keeping it handy with my stash of interfacing. interfacing I am a bag lover and have recently started sewing (got a machine for Christmas) and am gobbling up whatever info I can find online. Interfacings have really confused me, and this post really straightens me out. I think fusible fleece or fusible Thermolam would be a great choice for that. Im trying to pick-up a yard here and there of some of the different types so I have it on hand and dont have to run to the store. It will give the fabric a bit of sturdiness. Thank you for taking the time to write all that out. I live in Denmark. I wanted to thank you, I just used your conversion of Pellon products for Vilene, I live in Greece and it is very hard to find Pellon and most directions call for Pellon materials, thank you for the conversion chart. Wow thats a great post, and interesting photo you have there :p Made me laugh. The pattern I have says: if a lighter weight fabric is utilized, it is necessary to add interfacing to the body, sides, base and handles. I trying to make a very simply narrow boxed bottom basic classic book-bag style tote with webbing straps and was considering doing just one inside pocket to keep things simple and looking very minimalist and clean on the inside. Have you used Stiff Stuff and if so, how do you like it compared to the Deco Fuse or Pellon 70? Is the 520 for sale to the general public??? I wish that were the case. Happy sewing! Thank you so much! . love that photo! I usually leave my foam the same size as my fabric pieces, however, if you prefer, since you are using a fusible foam, you can also cut the foam minus the seam allowance (so if the seam allowance in the pattern is 1/2, you can cut the foam 1/2 smaller on all sides if you prefer). Fantastic information! You shouldnt have any worries about your fabric tearing under the strain of the magnetic snap now! I find that Thermolam takes the longest to fuse out of all the interfacings. quand jy retourne, je leur donne ladresse de votre blog, car je ntais pas la premire demander il y a beaucoup plus de patrons de sac aux Etats Unis quen Europe et je ne peux pas imaginer faire un sac sans interfaage. Im inspired and enthusiastic again. Thermolam, once fused, will make your fabric look nice and smooth. Do you have any advice or information regarding this? Please advise! I feel more confident now. I recently purchased a pattern for making shoes. This post will be concentrated on the particular, H640 Iron On High Loft Fleece or 272 Thermolam. Im new to your site, an look forward to all you have to offer. After reading your site I concluded the choice falls on Peltex 70. I do mostly quilting and precious little garment or home dec sewing. THANK YOU for this most informative post! Heavyweight or stiff interfacing would be either of the Peltex or the Pellon 520 (possibly 2 layers of Decor Bond). THANK YOU for taking the time to put all of this info about interfacing in one place. Thanks for clarifying interface. interfacing Ive used interfacing based on my own preferences, but its great to know the differences and some good uses for it. ~Lisa. Psssttt! I just wandered into bag making recently and have been often confused about all these products. Hi Shirlene! I usually use fusible fleece on all my totes and purses and sometimes it didnt seem to be just what was needed. This is so helpfull, thank you . Thank you so much again and know that the wonderful info you put in this post is going to good use! I made this version in delicious Tula Pink 'Elizabeth' fabrics. Ive also used fusible fleece and Thermolam as handle inserts before. Im gathering all the suppiles for your Purse Palooza. It is possible to use the Decor Bond on the exterior fabric if that is the look youre going for (personally I love using foam interfacing for exterior fabric!). Thank u so much. This is amazing! I could not imagine anyone saying they love interfacing. . No Pellon her. interfacing Thank you for such a wonderful and detailed post about interfacings-its by far the best Ive come across online! But then do the pockets have to be so stiff? All Rights Reserved. I like to iron it with the Thermolam (adhesive side face up), followed by the fabric (right side facing up), then the pressing cloth and iron. Thanks! The Ansel Camera Bag is one of our newest online workshops now available for purchase! Hi there, You might want to check with the designer of the pattern you are working on I usually choose specific interfacings for my patterns depending on the design of the bag (to take into consideration bulk, etc.). I know its something that we dont talk about a lot, but we probably should, because its one of the things that sewers can find confusing, and I get asked a lot of questions about it! Hi Sara, Im using Thermolam plus on a calico cotton and the cotton is rippling! Another great reason to have some Peltex #70 around is for bag handle inserts. I would hate to buy a bolt of the stuff if it is not quite what I need! [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tsi0o2Zrjm0] THANK YOU for sharing!! In this video, I will show you how to install a twist lock, a piece of purse hardware that looks beautiful on the flap of a bag. There are no right or wrong answers to using interfacing. You do talk about some interfacings that I have never tried. This post really helps me I used a lot of interfacing. rachelguidojackson@gmail.com Thanks! for this awesome info on interfacing (especially in reference to bag use). One of my biggest frustrations was standing in front of the interfacing rack! interfacing vickymyerscreations This is an amazingly informative article. Im also intrigued by the possibility of matching shoes with the clothing I sew. haha! I have both of Lisa Lams bag making books and she uses Vilene interfacings since she is from the UK and I sometimes wonder what the appropriate Pellon substitute would be. I, too went on a wild goose chase for Pellon Deco-Fuse. Can you advise me? . Thank you! I dont know. I am finding that the lining of my clutch bags always crease in places where the flap folds down. As a beginner, it is very helpful to have this information and I have bookmarked it for future use! I make bags and I didnt even know about Pellon 520 deco-fuse firm! Just want to ask you what kind of interfacing is suitable for hand woven silk fabric? Now I know where to turn for all my interfacing needs! I like to experiment a lot, and there is no right or wrong answer. Sara, thank you so much for this wonderful post. Although this interfacing is great, it is not widely available (I believe you can get it at Hancocks and on their site on-line). Thank you so much for sharing this information. Great your pageI have also same to youDetails hereHandmade bagscrochet handbagshandmade baby clothescrochet clothes. I just ordered some interfacing Ive never used before and will do some experiments. I SO needed this post Sara! interfacing I would greatly appreciate any suggestions you have!!! You will need a small Phillips-head screwdriver and fabric glue (I recommend Beacon 3-1 or Beacon Fabric-Tac). thank you so much, this is a great post, very useful, particularly to non-english speaking seamstresses! Pellon interfacing is also available in boxes of product, usually around 2-3 yards per box. You can use cork fabric or any other fabric that does not fray, such as leather, vinyl, or wool. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqKuAD5U5y4]. Im Pinning this as a permanent reference! Oh my I never knew Next time I have a question I know where to look . The purse is 16 inches wide and 8 inched tall. Oh well! Can you help? Pellon Decor Bond is a firm interfacing (although not as firm as Peltex). If I wan to make a wallet, I wan the wallet to be like soft kind, like a pillow type? I like to know if my bags are washable before I start, so maybe if its not, I may make a purse that is for special occasions only. Note: always use a pressing cloth when fusing your interfacing to fabric! Some sewing patterns for bags call for you to create sort of a double-bias piece for each handle, meaning that your raw edges would not be exposed. Before beginning, please download the templates:Rolled Handle pattern pieces