Choosing and using light-weight and heavy-weight fusble interfacing can be confusing if you've never done it before. Today I'll guide you through some simple hints and tricks to help make using fusible interfacing a little easier.

These most likely can be found at your local fabric stores. As a rule, match the interfacing to the fabric that you are using. If you are using quilt-quality cotton fabric, use light-weight fusible interfacing. If you are using linen or canvas, use the heavy-weight fusible interfacing. Never attempt to use heavy-weight interfacing on soft cotton. It usually comes out looking very bubbly and the whole project can be destroyed. Using light-weight interfacing on heavy fabrics does not provide much help in supporting the fabric at all.

When choosing fusible interfacing, hold it under the light to reflect the glue. Make sure the glue surface is clean and shiny. The glue must be spread evenly. When packing it, make sure not to fold it too many times. It would be best if you could roll it up to avoid damages to the glue surface and also to keep the fabric crease-free.

Applying fusible interfacing is an art of patience. We need an analog wrist watch or a stop watch for this step. Place an ironing cloth on the ironing board to avoid dirtying the surface. Heat up the iron to match your fabric. Place the exterior fabric WRONG side up. Press it well first. Place the interfacing SHINY side down exactly on the fabric. Press the iron down on the interfacing and hold it there for 10 seconds. Once time is up, bring the iron up without sliding it over the interfacing.

You should only use up and down movements. Apply the iron on a different area and repeat the process without sliding the iron in any direction. Sliding the iron or repeating application of heat to the same spot will cause bubbles in the interfacing. Turn the fabric to the RIGHT side when it has cooled. Start applying heat with the up and down movements until all surfaces are covered.

Once cooled, it is ready to be used.

Part 2 will cover more tips. Be sure to check back for more.

Photo Courtesy of Seneca Pond Crafts 

About the author: Diana is the owner and pattern designer of djstoreroom. She is a work-from-home-mommy who design, sew, pen and self-publish her own pdf sewing patterns and tutorials from her home studio in sunny Singapore. She has 2 online stores at etsy which stocks only pdf products and artfire which stocks pdf products, handmade products and vintage supplies. She love to write in her blog about herself, her business and more...

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