Many factors make the quilt a perfect one. Be it anything. The design, the stitching technique, the threads used, the colour contrast, etc.
But one more thing is imperative to be present in the quilt –intense backing. You call this process of firm backing interfacing.
There are many types of interfacing that you can use for quilting. And Fusible Interface is one of the most popular ones. But here come two crucial questions. What is fusible interfacing? And how to use fusible interfacing for quilting?
Keep reading this written piece to get answers to all your questions.
What is the Fusible Interface?
Fusible interfacing is a thin fabric that is coated with a fusible adhesive. This type of interfacing is usually in the form of a small sheet that one can cut into smaller pieces.
These pieces are then applied to the wrong side of the quilt top. Then you iron them with heat, which melts the adhesive and attaches it to the back of the top quilt layer.
Why Should you use Fusible Material?
There are many types of sewing interfaces. Like, sew-in interface, woven interface, non-woven interface, etc.
But the fusible interface suits the best if the hot iron steam suits the material of the fabric.
The need for fusible material arises from the need for a strong backing for your quilt. Fusible interfacing is a layer of material that is adhered to the backside of the fabric. Before quilting, you use this layer to give a strong foundation for a quilt. It also prevents the material from stretching and shifting during the process.
Types of Fusible Interface
Fusible interfacing is a fibre or resin-coated sheet with adhesive on one side. It is generally made of cotton, polyester, or rayon. There are different types of fusible interfacing. They are classified according to the following properties:
- Thickness: Fusible interfacing can be thin (1/16 in), medium (1/4 in), or thick (3/8 in).
- Width: Fusible interfacing is available in widths that range from 1-5 inches.
- Types of properties: There are two types of fusible interfacing
- Single-sided
- Double-sided.
Single-sided interfacings have adhesive on one side. In contrast, double-sided interfacings have an adhesive on both surfaces. These two types are available in three different thicknesses- thin, medium, and thick.
Following are the different types of fusible interfacing in sewing used:
i. Non-Woven fusible Interface
This interface is not fabric, and it comes from the chemical industry. This interface is bonded. It has a texture like paper and is widely used in the sewing industry. Also, you can use it for any fabric.
ii. Woven fusible Interface
As the name says, it is a woven fabric. It has grains that cross throughout lengthwise and crosswise. It is not generally used for sewing at home.
iii. Knit fusible Interface
It is widely used for stretch knit fabric. This interface has a stretch-like knit fabric. The above types are again classified into the following categories
- Foam.
- Heavyweight.
- Fleece.
- Lightweight
You can use the lightweight fusible fabric for appliques, garments, T-shirts, etc. The lightweight interface has a significant advantage. Being lightweight, it does not overpower the quilt.
Choose the correct Interface
So, before we delve into the usage of fusible interfacing for quilting, it is essential to know which type of interfacing to use.
Fusible interfacing is a kind of interface used by sewing and quilting enthusiasts to add strength and support to the fabric. It has a paper or plastic backing that can be fused with an iron to the wrong side of the material.
The other option is a non-fusible interface that does not need any ironing. Non-fusible interfacing does not require any heat. It is because it already has adhesive on both sides. It means you can use glue guns, spray adhesive, etc. But then again, it’s up to you what type of interfacing you want to use.
How to Use Fusible Interfacing
i. Do necessary Calculations for Correct Interfacing
At this point, you may need some mathematics. No, you will not need any equations to solve. You need to count the number of squares you may need according to the size of your interface.
Make proper calculations to avoid fabric waste.
ii. Buy a suitable interface
The first step to using fusible interfacing for quilting is to buy the interfacing. It is essential to choose the proper interfacing. The interface should be lighter than the main fabric. But, you can also purchase a heavyweight if you have a thick fabric.
The length of the interfacing should be at least two times longer than your fabric length. You do it so that there are at least 20 inches on either side of the fabric.
You must also buy an interface with a coating on one side with release paper. The release paper doesn’t have any adhesive. It protects the adhesive from being exposed until you are ready to use it.
iii. Cut out fabric squares
There are many interfacing types. But Fusible Interface is the most popular one for quilting. It is a lightweight, woven polyester fabric that has been coated with starch on both sides to make it fusible. It is also known as ‘woven interfacing.’
To use this type of interfacing for quilting, cut out the fabric squares needed for the project. Ensure that you measure and cut out all the squares accurately.
iv. Place your squares on the interfacing
When you are working on quilting, first, lay your fabric squares out on the interfacing. Put each square on the interfacing with the right side facing up.
The question arises next: how to place the squares? There is no strict rule to place them in a particular way. But it is recommended to put them in an organized manner to make it easier for you to stitch them together later.
v. Turn the iron when all the grids are filled
Now prepare your iron by plugging in and turning it on. Adjust the heat setting to medium-high. Then place a damp towel at hand’s distance from the ironing board. You will do it to protect your clothes if they get accidentally touched by the hot steam generated by the ironing process.
Press one side of each square onto its corresponding interfacing square. Then press both sides of them together to stick to each other when heated up.
Repeat these steps until each square is pressed onto its corresponding interfaced square.
vi. Sew the fabric pieces
After the squares stick to the interfacing, it’s time to sew them together. Start sewing the columns first and then the rows. Sewing will meet the purpose you are using the interface for. It will make the base strong.
Take the first column. Sew a seam along the column. Keep a distance of ¼ from the fold of the column. Repeat the same process until you complete doing all the columns.
vii. Press the seams
Now, cut off the interfacing where gridlines meet. Press the seams in opposite directions to not make the quilt thick.
To ensure that all the seams in the quilt are facing the same direction, press the rows in the same order.
SO, finally, your quilt is ready.
Problems you may Face while Fusible Interfacing
You can use fusible interfacing can for many purposes. But before you start using it, there are some problems that you may face.
- It is not available everywhere. You may be looking for fusible interfacing in your country. If you don’t find any store that sells it, make sure to buy it online. It will be delivered to your house without any hassle.
- Before applying interfacing to your quilt, make sure you wash the fabric with detergent. Use warm water. Otherwise, the interfacing glue will not stick properly on the material. Also, it will come off quickly after a few washes.
- When working with fusible interfacing for quilting, make sure to use a pressing cloth or plastic sheet over your ironing surface. It will help you not get burned by the hot steam of the iron.
Conclusion
Each step you come across, the quilting process is strongly interconnected. So every step seems to have some importance in the process. In the same way, interfacing has a much vital role to play. It provides strong backing to the quilt.
Among all the interfacing techniques, fusible interfacing is the best. Also, it is a very easy-to-go method. Just follow these simple steps, and you are done.
