stabilizer vs. interfacing

There are some differences, sort of. Interfacing can be used as a "leave in" stabilizer, not all stabilizers will work as interfacing. Some stabilizers are meant to be (mostly) removed and some are leave in, some disintegrate when washed. (And some dissolve completely in water, and will rinse out more or less completely depending on how much you used and how much you rinse. ) Interfacing comes in different weights as well as types. For good body, without really changing the hand of the fabric I love the fusible knit interfacing. But understand that this is a "cool fuse" and designed to sort of loosen when laundered. So it doesn't necessarily stay fused hard to the fabric. Any fusible can be lightly "basted" in place and will loosen with use. For simplicity of use, I like some fusibles. Some I stay far away from after bad experiences. Same with sew in interfacing. There are good ones, and not so good ones. Experiment with different ones on swatches of fabric to see what the effect is and how you like it. Don't forget some of the "fusible fleece" products too. Some are very "flat" and don't have much, if any loft, just a softer end look. Some are fairly lofty, more like Thermore batting. (These also come in sew in type)

Good luck, Pati, in Phx

KJ wrote:

Thanks Pati! (I was hoping you would be one of the responders!) I knew there are stabilizers that are designed to tear out, cut out, wash away and iron away. I was confused as to whether the term "interfacing" in a pattern would be the same as "stabilizer" on a bolt. For instance, the pattern calls for Pellon 40 "interfacing"....but Pellon calls its 40 a "stabilizer". I assume in this case they are the same product......and not what I bought today...of course. I think I have some of the thin fusible fleece and will try it on these bags. Can you share which fusibles and sew ins you stay away from?

Mmmm, yeah, Kathyl. Some thoughts. Last Christmas, a friend was here making bags / totes for gifts. Her pattern called for fusible and there was some problem in construction since she was using a 'sew in'. Don't remember what the problem was but we simply whipped out the good old school glue stick, temporarily 'fused' the part and proceeded on. Once the bags were stitched, whether the interfacing was fusible or not was no longer important to construction. We did make *sure* that the interfacing was cut larger so that it would be caught in the seam stitching instead of being fused outside the seam lines. (Did you follow that?) It certainly could make a difference in appearance when they wrinkled and creased. We agree with you. Polly

Yup, I followed it! :-) I think I'll stay away from a stiff fusible as I think that would get all wrinked. But I think you are saying it could be used as a sew in instead. (Make sure to catch it all in the seams.) That might be worth a try. But since I have some of the very thin fusible fleece, I think I"ll use that...it doesn't get as wrinkly.

Thanks. I prefer the HTC brand of fusibles in many cases. Do not like any fusible that has "dots" of adhesive. Had a bad experience with a shirt I made DH at one point. The "dots" bled through and collected "grime" on each one in the first wash. I ended up having to remove and "turn" the collar in order for the shirt to be wearable. Cuffs just got rolled up. sigh. I will try to remember to look at the Pellon 40 when I get a chance. The Pellon fusible fleece is pretty good, with a "web" of adhesive instead of "dots". It works really well in bags.

Pati, > Thanks Pati! (I was hoping you would be one of the responders!) I knew

No dots......that's a good thing to remember when shopping. I've had dots show through in applique projects...grrrrr. NO DOTS!