Replies

1. 
   HelgaPataki | Oct 27, 2010 10:54pm | #1

   I would use an interfacing for the zipper area (and neck area as well) because it sounds like the zipper is too heavy for your fabric.

   When I use an underlining, I like to use this to give my overall garment body without stiffness.  I don't think you should feel you have to choose one over the other.  Sometimes you can use both underlying as well as interfacing because they both serve a different  purpose.  Good luck with your outfil.  I know my post is sort of late because I just signed up. 

1. 
   jp32 | Mar 10, 2011 12:22pm | #3

   I just got the May issue of Threads and they have a great article on underlining along with pictures on how it affects fabric. 

2. 
   Teaf5 | Oct 30, 2010 02:56am | #2

   specific vs general support

   Hope you haven't given up without a lot of responses to your question--this new format is vexing to a lot of us oldtimers!

   Basically, interlining is general support for the entire garment, while interfacing supports certain areas of extra stress.  Thus, you might want to interface near a zipper to give it support, and interface the jacket front (and maybe back, sleeves, and collar) to provide more support for the entire garment.

   If you interface the zipper, and that's the only support on the front of the jacket, you may find that that zipper weight drags down the front.  If you interface the front of the jacket, the zipper won't sag, and the jacket will have a crisper, cleaner line and will resist wind chill better.  If the fashion fabric has good body and holds its shape, you won't need interlining, but interfacing will give zippers (or buttonholes & buttons) the support they need.