Fusible Interfacing: The Secret Ingredient to a Beautiful Finish
- Julie Robertson
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
Have you ever sewn a gorgeous zipper pouch or quilted bag only to find it a little floppy or lacking structure? The secret often lies in one humble supply: interfacing. It's the hero that gives handmade items the perfect amount of support, crispness, or drape.
Let's demystify fusible interfacing (and its non-fusible cousins), so you can confidently choose the right one for your sewing projects.
💡 What Is Interfacing?
Interfacing is a textile used on the wrong side of fabric to give it structure and stability. It's commonly used in:
Bags and pouches (for shape and support)
Garments (for collars, cuffs, waistbands)
Quilted projects (for added body)
Craft items (for crisp edges)
It comes in two types:
Fusible: Has a heat-activated glue on one side. Apply it with an iron.
Sew-in (non-fusible): Stitched into place, often used when heat can damage the fabric or when a softer drape is desired.
🧵 Choosing the Right Weight
Interfacing comes in lightweight, medium, and heavy weights, and each has its place:
Weight | Best For | Characteristics |
Lightweight | Quilting cottons, linings, delicate fabrics | Soft support, doesn't change drape |
Medium | Bags, pouches, collars | Structured but flexible |
Heavy | Stand-up pouches, folios, structured bags | Thick, crisp, and often used in layers |
🧪 Top Interfacings Compared
Here's a handy chart comparing some of the best fusible and non-fusible interfacings. All are tested, loved, and considered top-tier for sewing and craft projects:
Interfacing | Type | Weight | Ideal For | Notes | Where to Buy |
Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex | Fusible woven | Light-Medium | Quilting cotton, T-Shirt quilts, garments, pouches | Adds body without stiffness, stabilises stretchy fabrics | Sublime Stitchery, Minerva, Amazon NZ, Spotlight |
Vlieseline G700 | Fusible woven | Light-Medium | Similar to SF101 but slightly softer | European favourite, high quality | Miss Maude, The Fabric Store |
Pellon 931TD | Fusible non-woven | Light | Garments, linings | Budget-friendly, slightly crisper feel | Spotlight, Minerva |
Vilene S320 | Fusible non-woven | Medium | Pouches, craft | Thin but firm, perfect for clean shapes | The Fabric Store, Minerva |
Pellon Décor-Bond 809 | Fusible non-woven | Heavy | Pouches, home decor | Crisp finish, great for structure | Amazon, Spotlight |
Pellon 525 Decovil Light | Fusible synthetic | Medium-Heavy | Structured bags, wallets | Leather-like feel, flexible yet firm | The Fabric Store, Amazon |
Pellon 526 Decovil I | Fusible synthetic | Heavy | Stand-up bags, structured wallets | Super firm, almost like cardboard, but sewable | Minerva, Amazon |
Legacy L-101 | Sew-in woven | Light-Medium | When you don't want fusible | Soft and stable | Available through speciality shops (imported from the US) |
Birch Shape to Create | Fusible woven | Medium | Quilting cotton, garments, pouches | 100% cotton | Sublime Stitchery, Spotlight |
🔎 Lesser-Known but Amazing Interfacings
Vlieseline S133 – Similar to Decovil but slightly softer and more flexible.
Fast2Fuse – A stiff double-sided fusible interfacing used in book covers and fabric boxes.
Vilene H250 – A medium-weight woven fusible with a crisp finish – great for collars and details.
✂️ Final Tips for Interfacing Success
Always test a scrap piece before fusing it to your final fabric.
Use a pressing cloth and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If the interfacing bubbles or separates later, it often means the fabric wasn't fused evenly — go slow and steady with your iron!
For more defined bags, combine interfacings, such as SF101 and foam.
Do you have a favourite interfacing that you swear by? Drop it in the comments — I'd love to hear what works for you and hear about what you're making.
Happy Stitching!
✨ Grab Your FREE Resource Guide! ✨
Head out on your next fabric shopping trip with confidence. Our printable Resource Guide takes the guesswork out of choosing the right Fusible Fleece or Fusible Interfacing for your next project.
Inside, you'll find:
✅ 10 popular sewing projects
✅ Recommended products matched to each project
Click the button below and we'll send the guide straight to your inbox 👇
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