Without it, the outer beauty of a garment we desire and aim for, simply cannot glow.

But what exactly is interfacing, and more so, how do we use it?

Let me see if I can help!

Interfacing fabric is used on the inside of a garment to stabilise an area and add support and strength.

Predominantly, a fashion sewer would use interfacing on an area of a garment that needs to be stiffened, reinforced and shaped for the wearers comfort and the garments durability.

You’d see its use on collars, facings, waistbands to name but a few. It is also used within certain design details of a garment were extra support is required.

Getting Down to Detail!

There are different types and different weights of interfacing, and each can be applied to a garment to give a specific functionality, add styling and design, or help with structure and support.

Your sewing project would determine which you use, for example, the fusible interfacing that you’d find in a collar, would not necessarily be used, or be the same type of interfacing you’d find in a waist band.

TIP: When choosing your interfacing, make sure that it is suitable for the fabric type and weight you’re working with, and it should not be heavier than the fashion fabric itself.

Let me explain more in my tutorial video:

The Basics of Interfacing with Colleen G Lea

Don’t forget to subscribe to FashionSewingBlogTV by clicking the button below the video.

Isn’t it time you become a better fashion sewer?

A Little More About Interfacing

So to recap -

There are three types of interfacing:

-> Woven (sew-in and press-on / iron-on)

-> Non-woven (sew- in and press-on / iron-on)

-> Knit (press-on or iron)

All three come in different weight categories:

-> Lightweight

-> Medium

-> Heavyweight

And vary in stiffness, ranging from a limp interfacing to firm.

Do bear in mind, some are machine washable, but others are dry clean only!

Your interfacing will also come in shades of black, greys and white.

So I hope by now, you may have a clearer idea of what interfacing is, how and more importantly, when, it is used on a sewing project.

If you’ve got a question, drop me a line and I’ll do my best to help.

You may also be interested in more garment shaping video tutorials I’ve filmed! Come have a look by clicking:

Shaping Garments with Colleen G Lea

Happy fashion sewing

About the Author: Colleen G Lea is the founder of Fashion Sewing Blog and co-owner of DC Media Productions. Get more from Colleen at YouTube and Google+.

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Become a Better Fashion Sewer with Fashion Sewing Blog

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If you’re new here, or maybe missed my previous articles and step-by-step guides, then fear not!

Before you move on further with this great little fashion sewing tutorial, try checking out the following:

-> Drafting a Godet
-> How to Insert a Godet

If you’d like to keep on reading – EVEN BETTER!

Inserting a Godet into a Slash

The insertion of a triangular shaped godet into a slash of fabric is not that dissimilar to inserting a godet into a seam.

The only real difference:

When inserting a godet into a slash, you won’t have a seam allowance as such to work with.

Therefore, during the process, you’ll make the most of using the cut edges of the slash itself as a makeshift seam allowance.

You’ll also notice, as you begin to sew the godet into the slash, this makeshift seam allowance will have a natural graduation.

I know it sounds a little complicated but in reality, it’s not. Let me demonstrate:

Inserting a Godet into a Slash with Colleen G Lea

Don’t forget to subscribe to FashionSewingBlogTV by clicking the button below the video.

Isn’t it time you become a better fashion sewer?

How to Insert a Godet into a Slash of Fabric

1 – Mark the length of the slash line on the wrong side of your fabric.

2 – At the top end of the slash line, mark a dot. This allows the godet marking to be matched exact with the slash.

3 – Place a small strip (3cm – 4cm) of fusible interfacing at the top of the slash covering the dot pattern marking. Press into place.

4 – Cut up the slash line to the marked dot. The ‘slash‘ is now created.

5 – Working on the wrong side, pin the godet into position. Use the dot markings to get the correct position.

6 – When machine stitching, start sewing from the point of the godet down. Repeat on the other side. Do not back stitch – use an alternate method to secure the thread ends.

7 – Press the godets seam closed.

For other garment shaping techniques and tutorials, click:

Shaping Garments with Colleen G Lea

And if you have any questions, please do get in touch.

Happy fashion sewing.

About the Author: Colleen G Lea is the founder of Fashion Sewing Blog and co-owner of DC Media Productions. Get more from Colleen at YouTube and Google+.

——————————————————————————————————————————-

Become a Better Fashion Sewer with Fashion Sewing Blog

.

Pick up a great read from our eBook store!

.
Click – ‘Browse Books‘ and take a look.

If you do, like me, you’ll remember ‘those‘ television programmes!

The ones where rich women lived in shiny cocktail dresses, sporting shoulder pads that were almost as wide as the garment itself!

And sadly (some would say),

this trend actually made it to our very own high streets!

And yes, before you ask, (stand by for an admission), I too owned one or two pieces that made me look like a quarterback in an American football team.

Thankfully – times have changed!

Styles have evolved, processes differ and our clothing wants develop.

So today, the use of shoulder pads in our sewing projects is much more socially acceptable and something every fashion sewer should consider if needs arise.

In fact, if you look into your own closets / wardrobes right this instant, you may be surprised at just how many of your garments contain within them a discreet shoulder pad or two.

Go on! Go have a look and I’ll wait for you right here.

You’re back!

So if you like what you’ve found, and want to know more about how to sew shoulder pads into a garment, then I’d like to show you how!

Sewing Shoulder Pads into a Garment with Colleen G Lea

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I hope you find the following video tutorial of some help. Please do let me know!

And don’t forget to subscribe to FashionSewingBlogTV by clicking the button below this video. It’s totally FREE to do.

How to Sew Shoulder Pads into a Garment

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Tip: Shoulder pads enhance a garments sleeve head, giving a softer, more rounder shape. It is always a good idea to try your garment on and place the shoulder pads into position to check they are sitting right prior to sewing.

1 – Fold the shoulder pads in half to find balance and centre.

2 – Place the shoulder pads onto the shoulder seam, ensuring the shoulder pads are extended slightly into the armhole seam.

3 – Pin into position.

4 – Working on the inside of the garment, fasten the shoulder pads with a permenant tacking or basting stitch to the armhole seam allowance, close to the seam line.

5 – Crosstitch at each end of the shoulder pads as well as the shoulder seam.

Give it a try and you’ll soon be creating some amazing looks!

If you’d like to learn more about other garment shaping fashion sewing techniques, then check out -

Shaping Garments with Colleen G Lea.

Any problems, than please feel free to get in touch. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you.

Happy fashion sewing

About the Author: Colleen G Lea is the founder of Fashion Sewing Blog and co-owner of DC Media Productions. Get more from Colleen at YouTube and Google+.

——————————————————————————————————————————-

Become a Better Fashion Sewer with Fashion Sewing Blog

.

Pick up a great read from our eBook store!

.
Click – ‘Browse Books‘ and take a look.