The Difference Between Interfacing and Stabilizer (2024)

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Duration: 19 mins

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Looking to give a project a specific shape? Want to make sure that collar stays crisp? You’re in the market for interfacing or stabilizer. These layers rest behind the fabric and are a handy tool for every sewer to master.

Achieving professional sewing results can be as easy as choosing the proper interfacing or stabilizer. These two different materials will add shape and secure stitches.

What is Interfacing?

This neutral colored material is meant to be permanently added to fabric. Interfacing is either fused in place using an iron or sewn in place.

Different Types of Interfacing

There are several types of interfacing available, each with a specific use. Here are the main types:

Woven Interfacing: This type comes in various weights and is meant to be used with woven fabric such as cotton.

Knit Interfacing: The noted difference of this type of interfacing is that it is actually a knit, therefore it will stretch slightly. Use this type of interfacing when sewing knits.

Fusible Fleece: Soft and lofty, this type of interfacing fuses to the fabric. It adds a thick layer to the fabric making it easier to hold a specific shape. Consider using multiple layers of fusible fleece to create an especially rigid shape.

Fusible Web: Adhesive on both sides, this type of interfacing is used mostly for appliqué. It is also known as Stitch-Witchery or Heat ’n Bond.

Related video: How to Use Fusible Web and Other Adhesives

What is Stabilizer?

Unlike interfacing, stabilizer is created to be removed after stitching. Stabilizer helps reinforce fabric when stitching may damage it.

Different Types of Stabilizer

There are three main types of stabilizer to consider:

Tear-Away: Very paper-like, this stabilizer works well with lightweight fabric and light stitch work.

Wash-Away: This form of stabilizer dissolves in water after stitching. Best used when stitching appliqués or when a bit of stabilizer is needed on the fabric’s right side.

Cut-Away: Usually used when working with heavy stitch work, cut-away adds firm support to fabric.

Related video:Creative Uses for Fabric Stabilizer

How have you used interfacing or stabilizer to enhance your sewing projects? Let us know in the comments!

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4 Responses to “The Difference Between Interfacing and Stabilizer”

  1. Kathi Robinson

    She said that the interfacings must be pre-shrunk. Wouldn't that effect the bonding properties of the fusible interfacings? And she said putting it in COLD water would be sufficient. I don't understand how cold water would shrink it.

  2. R

    If you use wash-a-way Thread to baste your project; all you need to do is wash it to remove your stitches.

  3. Grace

    Hi! This is a really informative video. I do question the accuracy of the title of the video being The Difference Between Interfacing and Stabilizer. The video does not describe this and with the exception of a little description below the video, there is no mention of stabilizer at all. As a novice to sewing and quilting, I would like to see a video on the actual differences and applications of stabilizer and interfacing, not just the differences in interfacing. Thanks so much and love your videos!

  4. Dania

    Did she say you can wash fusible interfacing?? How do you do that? Will it really still iron on?

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The Difference Between Interfacing and Stabilizer (2024)

FAQs

The Difference Between Interfacing and Stabilizer? ›

Interfacing and stabilizers are typically used between two layers of fabric in apparel and accessories. Stabilizers provide structure for projects like tote bags and crafts, whereas interfacing is generally used to provide more body in apparel projects like shirt collars and facings.

When should I use stabilizers in sewing? ›

Another option is to use liquid stabilizer to stiffen the fabric prior to stitching, then wash it out after stitching. Appliqué, especially on lightweight fabrics or knits, can also cause puckering, so place stabilizer under the area you're working with to keep the appliqué and the base fabric pucker-free.

Can I use interfacing instead of stabilizer embroidery? ›

Interfacing is typically used between two layers of fabric in apparel to provide more body. Stabilizers are stronger than interfacing, can hold a lot of stitches, and are used to provide support for machine embroidery. How do you Seal the Back of Embroidery? There are 3 different ways to seal the back of embroidery.

What is fabric stabilizer used for? ›

A fabric stabilizer, or backing, is used in sewing and machine embroidery to support fabric during the stitching process. By using a stabilizer, you can keep the fabric from puckering and stretching while stitching. There are many types of stabilizers out there, each one categorized by the method of its removal.

Is stabilizer really necessary? ›

Increase Safety. A voltage stabilizer provides frequent power to household appliances, which prevents them from having an unexpected power outage and causing an electrical fire at any time. Additionally, it reduces the risk of overloading the circuit breaker by keeping it on the lower cycle.

What is the purpose of using stabilizer? ›

A stabilizer is an electrical device that protects electrical appliances from voltage fluctuations. In the case of refrigerators, voltage fluctuations can damage the compressor and other electrical components, leading to costly repairs or replacement.

When should you use interfacing? ›

Garment patterns typically call for interfacing on areas needing extra body (like a shirt collar) or strength (like buttonholes). If you are sewing knit fabric, you might use interfacing to keep the fabric from stretching out of shape. The pattern usually tells you what type of interfacing to buy and how much.

What are the 2 types of interfacing? ›

Interfacings come in 2 main types: fusible (iron on) and sew in. 3 different weaves: non-woven, woven and knit. And 3 different weights: light, medium and heavyweight. Fusible interfacing is the easiest to use because it has an adhesive on one side which bonds permanently with the fabric when pressed with an iron.

What is the purpose of interfacing? ›

It adds shape, strength, and body. Almost every garment you make requires some type of interfacing for inner stability. Interfacing supports the fashion fabric and adds crispness, not bulk. It is used to reinforce areas that are subject to stress and helps a garment maintain its shape, wearing after wearing.

What is a good substitute for sewing stabilizer? ›

Some suggested using coffee filters, Press'n Seal or plastic food wrap, freezer paper, and waxed paper. Of these, freezer paper was even said to be recommended by a few dealers as a stabilizer ironed on the back of fabric and then floated in the hoop, typically on a sticky-back stabilizer.

Is heat-n-bond the same as interfacing? ›

Fusible Web: Adhesive on both sides, this type of interfacing is used mostly for appliqué. It is also known as Stitch-Witchery or Heat 'n Bond.

What is a substitute for interfacing in sewing? ›

If you don't want to buy interfacing, you can baste a different layer of fabric to your main fabric, just like sew-in interfacing. For example, you can use lightweight cotton, batiste, muslin, organza, or flannel.

What is the difference between stabilizer and interfacing in sewing? ›

Stabilizer serves a somewhat similar purpose to that of interfacing. Generally speaking, stabilizer is stiffer and provides more structure. It's not always meant to be a permanent addition to what you're sewing.

Can you embroider directly on a stabilizer? ›

To make this project, hoop two sheets of Kimberbell Wash-Away, choose your desired thread colors (top and bobbin should be the same), and stitch the beautiful design directly on the stabilizer. When embroidery is finished, immerse in a tray of cool water and watch the Wash-Away disappear. Voila!

What's the best stabilizer for embroidery? ›

The answer is: a cut-away stabilizer! This embroidery stabilizer can be used for any fabric, but is essential for knitted and stretchy fabrics. Because the fabric is stretchy, the embroidery design would also expand during embroidery.

How often should I use stabilizer? ›

Unlike real sunscreen that needs to be applied constantly and liberally, a pool stabilizer needs to be added only at the start of the pool season. Once the chemical is added, the levels stay consistent unless there is a big change in the water amount (a large rain or evaporation).

When can I add stabilizer? ›

It is recommended that you add stabilizer when there is a measurable amount of chlorine in the pool.

What do you need a stabilizer for? ›

It prevents undesirable voltage fluctuations to enter in to your electrical appliances, thus making its operations trouble free. V-Guard, with an experience of more than three decades in the industry, offers a series of stabilizers carefully crafted to meet various application demands in your daily life.

How to know which stabilizer to use? ›

Here are some tips to help you choose a right voltage stabilizer: Check the power rating of your appliance, which is usually given in watts (W) or volt-ampere (VA). This indicates the maximum power that the device can consume. You can also find the power rating on the nameplate or the appliance's manual.

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