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Interfacing

San | Posted in General Sewing Info on

      On some  pattern directions  it looks like interfacing does not go  all the way to the edge of fabric.   What is the proper placement for fusing interfacing on a lightweight fabric?   

Replies

  1. FitnessNut | | #1

    Ignore the pattern directions and fuse all the way to the edge. Or, better yet, fuse first and then cut out. This will prevent any shrinkage and unpleasant surprises.

    1. San | | #6

        I must be brave and ignore the directions!  I'll try the fuse then cut method,  thanks!     

  2. SewTruTerry | | #2

    It also depends on the look that the designer is going for. Sometimes putting the interfacing all the way to the edge will interfere with the drape of the material or in the case of slightly bias cut edges the way the whole garment will drape.  It can also depend on the garment piece, for example I rarely take the interfacing all the way to the cut edge on collar pieces or on cuffs because it causes so much bulk in the corners or the tips of the collars that can be difficult to get rid of.  I think the rule of thumb in this case is to determine what the application is and what the effects are going to be to the garment.

    1. San | | #5

      Thanks for the detailed advice.  This is such a good website for information for us part-time sewers!     Does everyone get glue on their irons while fusing? 

      1. mem1 | | #7

        yes Yuck ! I just scrub the base of the iron with a nylon pad while it is still hot watch out for steam burns though

      2. kjp | | #8

        Yes!!! We all get gunky irons.  I keep some scrap muslin around, dampen it and rub the iron when needed between cleanings. 

      3. SewNancy | | #9

        Not if I use a  press cloth.  However accidents do happen to all of us and then I use Dritz Iron Off.  It doesn't hurt the non stick finish on my iron.

        Nancy

        Edited 5/29/2005 12:43 pm ET by Nancy

        1. San | | #10

          I use a piece of muslin, dampened as  the instructions say and it I still get the glue on my iron.     I do not use a non-stick iron, however.      Think that makes difference?      The muslin press cloth is always stiff when I get done!        Maybe my iron is too hot???

          1. SewNancy | | #11

            I use a wool setting.  I don't have a problem.

            Nancy

          2. kjp | | #13

            this may sound obvious, but are you possibly turning over your presscloth/muslin during your ironing?  The gunk will get on the press cloth and then transfer to your iron if you turn it over and iron that side. 

          3. San | | #14

            It's a  possibility,  but I'm pretty sure I use one side (was going to say I " stick"  to one side! ha!)  It seems like the glue absorbs into the muslin, then gets on the iron.   Maybe it's just too hot.    I bought some  Goo-Gone so I'll be ready next time!  I might try a teflon sheet that Yvonne suggested..and I'll pay more attention next time! 

      4. Vonnie | | #12

        You can get a type of heat resistant teflon sheet. You use it like a pressing cloth to stop fusing and applique sheet sticking to your iron and ironing board. I don't know what it is called.

  3. kjp | | #3

    I usually interface all the way to the edge.  Just make sure that bulk will not interfere with a nice turned edge or point.  Otherwise, the interface, then cut method works great.  I'd like to add:  if you haven't preshrunk your interfacing, hold the steam iron an inch over the interfacing before fusing and steam away.  Let it cool and then fuse.  You will probably see the edges curl up as the interfacing shrinks.  Easy and beautiful results.

    1. San | | #4

      Thanks for the good advice!   

  4. DONNAKAYE | | #15

    Audrey Childress taught:

    Lay fusible interfacing on fashion fabric, fashion fabric down, interfacing up, wrong sides together.  Lightly fuse center of interfacing to fashion fabric, avoiding edges. Trim at seam allowances and chop out corners, etc., to reduce bulk.  Then continue on with the fusing with heat and moisture, dampened presscloth, etc.

    1. San | | #16

      Audrey has it down pat and it sounds good!     ( Hmm,...wonder if she's ever gottten glue on her iron???)

      1. DONNAKAYE | | #17

        Absolutely.  Dritz Iron-Off is the answer, as another person noted. Audrey used to be a Dritz demonstrator back in the '60s.....

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