If you've ever wondered how to apply fusible interfacing to fabric, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process, ensuring your fabric and interfacing bond together perfectly for a pro finish.
If you'd like to see these steps in action, hop over to my YouTube channel to watch the full video tutorial by clicking on the image below.
What You'll Need:
- Fusible or iron-on interfacing in the appropriate weight (see last week’s blog article here to help you choose)
- Fabric
- Pressing cloth (an old tea towel works great)
- Ironing board
- Hot iron
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric and Interfacing
Start by placing your fabric right side down on your ironing board, with the wrong side facing up. Next, grab your fusible interfacing and identify the sticky side. This is typically the rough or shiny side, depending on the weight of your interfacing. The sticky side will be the one you place face down onto the wrong side of your fabric.
Step 2: Align the Edges
Once you've identified the sticky side of your interfacing, carefully align it with the edges of your fabric (this is dependent on your project). This step is crucial because once the interfacing is fused, it’s not going anywhere! Double-check that the rough or shiny side is facing down and that all edges are perfectly aligned.
Step 3: Cover with a Pressing Cloth
To protect both your iron and interfacing during the pressing process, cover your fabric and interfacing with a pressing cloth. This can be any old tea towel you have lying around - just something to provide a barrier between the iron and your project. Better to have interfacing stuck to an old tea towel than your iron, as it doesn’t come off. (You have been warned)
Step 4: Press, Don’t Iron
With your pressing cloth in place, use your hot iron to press down on the fabric and interfacing. Hold the iron in place for about 8-10 seconds per section, counting slowly in your head. Remember, you’re pressing, not ironing - so no sliding the iron around. If you slide the iron, you can inadvertently pull or push the interfacing out of position, or even distort it. Move to the next section and repeat until the entire piece is fused.
Step 5: Final Check and Final Touches
Once you've pressed the entire piece, immediately lift the fabric off the ironing board to prevent any sticking. If you notice any areas that haven’t stuck properly, simply press again for a few more seconds. And that’s it! After it has cooled, the interfacing will give your fabric the structure and stability it needs.
Hope that helps.
Happy interfacing!
Kim xx