8 Best Interfacings For Bag Making
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Interfacing is a tool that is both incredibly useful but can also be very confusing, especially if you are new to the sewing world.
I used to struggle to know which interfacing I needed and when it was needed. If you are working from a pattern it will be more clear but if like me you like to create your own pattern and styles then you might also be wondering which are the best interfacings for bag making.
I decided to break down each of the different weight, styles and thicknesses and a couple of examples of different ones on the market. So you can get a better understanding of each interfacing and hopefully be more confident in the future!
Do You Need Special Interfacing for Bag Making?
First of all we want to look at a few common questions, one of which is do you need special interfacing for bag making or does any work?
Interfacing adds structure and support to the purse or bag you are making. It also makes the fabric stronger and more stable to prevent distortions and stop it from stretching out of shape.
So, yes, interfacing is needed when making bags. Depending on the type of bag, how stiff and structured you want the bag to be will depend on which you need to buy.
Many types of interfacing can be applied during bag making, and they will be discussed here.
Can You Use Any Interfacing for Bag Making?
The type of interfacing you choose when making a bag or purse is usually down to personal preference since most interfacings can work for all fabric types.
However, fusible interfacing is the most commonly used type because it is both easy to use and has a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses.
When used correctly, fusible interfacing has a good appearance on the bag.
One can also quickly tell if the fusible fails after application because the interfacing would easily peel away from the fabric.
To avoid failure when using fusible interfacing, make sure you read, understand, and carefully follow the instructions included in the product.
8 Best Interfacings for Bag Making
I decided to section the interfacings into categories so you can quickly see which you might need and the brands which are right for your project.
Best Light-Weight Interfacing
This interfacing is ideal for linings and can be used in combination with other types of interfacing to make the bag or purse become stiffer and have more structure.
Light-weight interfacing makes light fabrics heavier by adding some layers of interfacing on top of them.
Interfacings like Pellon 906F Sheerweight (which is extremely light-weight) and Pellon 911FF Featherweight (which is slightly thick) are fusible and recommended for light-weight fabrics.
a. Pellon 906F Sheerweight
This product is white, very light-weight, non-woven, and wholly made of polyester. It is safe to use on a sewing machine and would not be destroyed in a washing machine.
In addition to it being well suited to bags, it works well with voile, handkerchief linen, and crepe de chine.
b. Pellon 911FF Featherweight
This product comes in Charcoal Grey and White is also non-woven and made up of 100% polyester. They give the best results when used with knits, linen, challis, etc.
They can also be used with medium-weight fabrics, not only light-weight materials. Try to avoid fusing this product with lace, rainwear, seersucker, and triacetate.
Best Medium-Weight Interfacing
When making a bag that has little support and structure, medium-weight interfacing is the way to go. They give the best results when used on medium to heavy-weight fabrics, tote bags, and strap handles.
Medium-weight interfacing gives bags an excellent structure without making them overly rigid. The bags will turn out in such a way that it will be easy for someone to put their hand into the bag when it is open.
Pellon 808 Craft-fuse (which is fusible and a little crisp) and Pellon 931TD (which is fusible and softer than the former) are both recommended products as far as this type of interfacing is concerned.
a. Pellon 808 Craft-Fuse
The Pellon 808 Craft-fuse adds strength and structure to the bag being made. This fusible interfacing is non-woven and easy to use.
If a bag needs to be extra rigid, you can apply two layers of interfacing. To apply this interfacing, you have to place its shiny adhesive side on the fabric’s wrong side. Then, you cover it with a damp cloth and apply little pressure with a pressing iron for it to use.
b. Pellon 931TD
The Pellon 931TD Fusible Midweight is medium-weight fusible interfacing perfect for medium to heavy-weight fabrics and is made of 100% polyester.
Additionally, it can be used to make sportswear, linings for curtains and pillows, and yokes on shirts and dresses. It is usually packaged in 15″ x 3 yards size and is non-woven as well. It is safe to be worked on with sewing machines.
Best Heavy-Weight Interfacing
When heavy-weight interfacing is being used, it aims to make bags that will have a rigid structure. The fabric used on the bag will not be expected to move around much, and in some cases, they do not move at all.
Pellon Peltex is the product recommended interfacing in this category. It can comfortably be used in many bag designs, especially art bags, and on bag flaps. This interfacing is not difficult to sew, and it comes in three different types. The Peltex 70 is the softest and is sew-in. T
he Peltex 71 is a little more rigid and fusible on one side, while the Peltex 72 is the stiffest interfacing of the three and is fusible on both sides.
a. Peltex 70
Pellon 70 Peltex Ultra-Firm Sew-In is a heavy-weight, firm, and smooth sew-in stabilizer used to provide extra support when making bags and purses. The white non-woven product is easy to sew even when it is in between other fabrics.
Also, the 100% polyester Pellon 70 will not flatten or have its shape distorted when pressed with steam. It can be cut in any direction since there is no grain and comes packaged in 15″ x 1-yard sizes.
b. Peltex 71
The Pellon® 71F Peltex® One-Sided Fusible is also a smooth, extra-firm heavy-weight stabilizer that can be used to produce crafts, embroidery, bags, quilting, etc.
They are also easy to sew and have no distortions in shape when steam pressed. This white non-woven polyester product has no grain and can be cut in any direction. Furthermore, it is safe to use with a sewing machine, and it can be washed in a washing machine.
c. Peltex 72
Pellon 72F Peltex II Two-Sided Fusible is similar to the two products mentioned above. It is a non-wollen, smooth, and heavy-weight interfacing that stabilizes crafts, accessories, quilting, purses, bags, etc.
It also does not have grain so that it can be cut from any direction. It is double-sided fusible and will not flatten or change shape when steam pressed.
Best Fleece Interfacing
Fleece is a perfect addition to quilted bags and bags that you make, intending to add hand embellishments like beading or hand stitching.
For additional structure, another layer of interfacing can be added to either the underside of the fleece or the lining. A recommended Fleece product is Pellon TP971F Thermolam Plus.
a. Pellon TP971F Thermolam Plus
This product is a lofty white needled fleece that has a fusible adhesive on only one side. It does not quickly move out of shape even after being fused with another fabric.
It is also made entirely of polyester and safe to use with a sewing machine. It is used to provide stability to bags that are being made.
