This page is a work in progress. I will add to it as time goes on and try to make the differences between products clearer as it can be very confusing. It is certainly confusing that interfacing is also sometimes called a stabiliser.

Interfacings and Stabilisers

Interfacings:

• These can be sew-in or fusible. Single, or double sided.
• In patchwork, appliqué, and quilting an interfacing such as Vilene is used to stiffen or give shape to delicate fabrics, or ones that fray.
• Interfacing can be used a base when foundation piecing or for Crazy patchwork.
• It is invaluable when dealing with materials of different weights and structures such as Buckram and Canvas or open weave fabrics such as muslin, calico, cheesecloth, Indian cotton or Osnaburg as it give them a stabilising effect.

Here are some examples and their uses:

Vilene H180 Iron-On Interfacing – Ultrasoft Light weight

This is a soft and lightweight iron on interlining for fabrics like quilting and dressmaking cottons, silks and linens. It prevents stretching and ensures that pieces retain their shape. It is very easy to use. One side is covered with tiny adhesive dots which melt and fuse the interfacing fabric with the fabric of your choice, when ironed over.

Instructions for use: Place the interfacing with the coated side on the wrong side of the fabric. Then, using dry heat, glide the iron firmly 5-6 times very slowly over each area of he insert, so that each area rec lived approx 8 seconds of heat. Use the iron setting for Wool. Allow the pieces to cool flat for about 20 minutes, to allow the adhesive to set properly. 60% polyester/40% wood pulp/viscose. Washable in temperatures of up to 60 degrees C or dry cleanable. 

Vilene H250 Iron On Interfacing ~ Medium weight

Used for stablising and adding body to fabric. It prevents stretching and ensures that pieces retain their shape. It’s very easy to use. One side is covered with tiny adhesive dots which melt and fuse the interfacing fabric with the fabric of your choice when ironed over.It is most suitable for light to medium weight fabrics such as quilting and dressmaking cottons, silks and linens. It’s make up is 60% polyester / 40% wood pulp/viscose and it is washable in temperatures up to 60 °C or dry cleanable. Use the Heavy weight for bags and for  three dimensional patchwork.

Instructions for use: Place the interfacing with the coated side on the wrong side of the fabric. Then using dry heat glide the iron firmly 5-6 times very slowly over each area of the insert, so that each area receives approx. 8 seconds of heat. Iron setting: Wool. Allow the pieces to cool flat for about 20 minutes, so that the adhesive can set properly.

Stabilisers

• These can be temporary; torn away or dissolved,  or permanent and left in place. They are sew in or fusible and come in diff weights.
• Muslin and Calico can be used as stabilisers.   

Here are some examples and their uses:

Sulky

Sulky Tear Away Stabiliser – clear and easy to trace and sew through and you can just wash it away with water. Nice for embroidery on towels. Also often used for foundation pieced patchwork.

Sulky water soluble stabiliser is for machine quilting and embroidery.

Heat soluble, heavyweight interfering to mould three-dimensional shapes and sheer gauze

Pellon

Non woven polyester backing hat gives support for unstable textiles that need more body and a firm smooth application like silk, gauze and chiffon. It can also be used as a canvas for painting.

Fusible web 

Fusible Web – ultra thin sheet  of adhesive backed with a special papers. Heat of an iron fuses fabrics, secures and prevents edges fraying. Lots of brands e.g. sewable Heat n Bond or Wonder Under –  a fusible web product with a paper backing called a release paper. It has to be ironed to adhere to fabric. It is for creating interlays and can be painted or covered with foils. 

Vilene Bondaweb ~ Double Sided Iron On Adhesive

A very light web which has a fine layer of heat activated adhesive on both sides so you can fuse two fabrics together. Great for appliqué and many other craft projects.

It’s very easy to use, one side is paper backed so you can design your shape and then cut out easily. This can then be ironed over on to your appliqué fabric, the backing paper can be removed and the applique can be ironed on to the base fabric. Suitable for most fabrics and even cardboard at low temperatures.Washable in temperatures up to 60 °C or dry cleanable.

Fusible fleece

Adds thickness to  a project

VLHH650 ~ Vilene Double Sided Fusible (Volume Fleece)

Soft, medium loft, fusible fleece wadding, bonds two fabrics together in one operation; for quilts and clothing.

It’s very easy to use, one side is covered with tiny adhesive dots which melt and fuse the fleece with the fabric of your choice when ironed over.

Most suitable for light to medium weight fabrics such as quilting and dressmaking cottons, silks and linens.

Instructions for use:

1. Place the Vilene HH 650 between the two fabrics to be stuck together; make sure that there are no folds or pulls; it is particularly important to iron carefully.

2. Then cover with a damp cloth and press the iron for about 15 seconds, step by step each area.

3. With waistcoats and jackets we recommend to test a sufficiently large area to check the adhesion and look of both fabrics.

Tip: Secure the joined fabrics either by appropriate seams or through additional quilting.

We recommend that you test the fleece on a fabric remnant first to make sure that you’re happy with the results before you use it on your project.

80% polyamide / 20% polyester

Washable in temperatures up to 40 °C in the gentle cycle or dry cleanable

 VLH630 ~ Vilene Iron On Fusible Fleece (Low Loft)

Lightweight, iron on fleece wadding for stabilising and adding light volume and body to fabric. So it’s great for light quilting, embroidery work using light to medium weight fabrics such as quilting and dressmaking cottons, silks and linens.

It’s very easy to use, one side is covered with tiny adhesive dots which melt and fuse the fleece with the fabric of your choice when ironed over.

Instructions for use: Place the fleece with the coated side on the wrong side of the fabric. Cover with a damp cloth and press each area for about 15 seconds, without pushing the iron. Iron setting: Wool/Cotton. Allow the pieces to cool flat for about 30 minutes, so that the adhesive can set properly.

80% polyamide / 20% polyester

Washable in temperatures up to 40 °C in the gentle cycle or dry cleanable

Fiberfil

For puffed patchwork, three dimensional appliqué, and stuffed quilting.