If you've ever wondered what the difference is between fusible interfacing and fusible fleece, you're not alone! Both are fantastic for your projects, but they serve slightly different purposes. In this blog post, I’ll break down what makes each one unique and when you should use them.
What is Fusible Interfacing?
Fusible interfacing is a thin non-woven material that adds structure and stability to fabric. It’s great for projects where you need your fabric to hold its shape – such as collars, cuffs, or T-Shirt quilts. The "fusible" part means it sticks to your fabric when pressed with an iron, so no sewing is required to attach it.
What is Fusible Fleece?
Fusible fleece, on the other hand, is much thicker than interfacing. It’s designed to provide padding and cushioning, making it perfect for projects like bags that need some extra oomph. Just like fusible interfacing, fusible fleece is ironed onto the fabric to bond it in place.
Key Differences Between Fusible Interfacing and Fusible Fleece
- Thickness: Fusible fleece is noticeably thicker than interfacing. It gives your project a padded, quilted feel, while interfacing remains thin and provides structure without bulk.
- Purpose: Use fusible interfacing when you need structure and fusible fleece when you need padding. For example, interfacing is ideal for a crisp collar, while fleece is perfect for adding cushioning to a bag, padding for a laptop or iPad case or to an item such as a play mat.
- Combination Use: Sometimes, you might even use both in the same project. You can apply fusible interfacing first for structure, then add fusible fleece for padding, giving you the best of both worlds.
When to Use Fusible Interfacing Or Fusible Fleece
If you’re working on a bag, fusible fleece will give it the padding to protect its contents, but if you're looking for a crisper, more defined shape, fusible interfacing will be your go to.
Many patterns will call for one or the other (or both), so be sure to follow those guidelines for the best results.
How To Apply Fusible Interfacing and Fleece
If you're unsure how to apply either one, don’t worry! The process is the same for both, and I’ve got a step-by-step tutorial video you can watch here on my YouTube channel.
Hope that helps!
Kim
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