DIYU: Interfacing, Fusible Web, Stabilizer- What is that stuff?

 Interfacing, stabilizer, fusibles- oh my! Have you ever asked, "What is interfacing, and why do I need it?" Despite the fact that I've used more than 560 yards of fusible interfacing, there are still products that I am completely clueless about. My pal Erin from Pellon is joining us today at DIYU: School for Crafting Misfits to tell us more about their products & which is ideal to use for what projects.
Pellon used in kids cuff tutorial
 Hi Everyone! I'm Erin, the social media/website/projects gal for Pellon®. I'm so thrilled to be here on TrashN2Tees today! I'm a huge fan of Jenelle's work and was excited to learn how often she turns to Pellon® products for her projects. It's amazing what a little bit of stabilizer (or a lot of Clear-Fuse®!) can do to transform something old into something brand new! I know you've been exposed to a slew of amazing projects throughout this series and hope that you'll forgive me for straying from the norm. I'm here to talk a little bit about the different types of interfacing so that you all can make educated decisions as to which ones will best suit your project needs.
tn2t-erinpellon
I first started with Pellon® back in January 2012 as a relative 'newbie'. The last time I'd used a sewing machine was in Junior High and I'd never even heard of Wonder-Under® (gasp!!). That said, I've always been a big DIY-er and I truly believe that the passion to create can take you in many different directions. I had a lot to learn and at that point, couldn't even begin to imagine the knowledge I'd gain over the course of just one year. Luckily, Pellon® has an extremely well-organized product line (and a wonderful product expert, Michele!), making it oh-so-much easier to find exactly what you need. Today, I thought it might be helpful to give you access to a few of the resources that came in so handy for me.

APPAREL Interfacing shapes, supports, and stabilizes the detail areas of a garment such as collars, facings, waistbands, pockets, etc. In jackets and coats you may even fuse the entire front or use a variety of products to get a professional result. It has a huge effect on the appearance of a garment and can be the difference between feeling good in wear, or feeling stiff, rigid and uncomfortable. Without interfacing, a garment is more likely to be limp and lifeless. In the area of apparel interfacings, there are three major categories: basic, luxury fusible, and specialty. Screen Shot 2013-03-19 at 5.11.50 PM
(simply click the image above for a handy pdf download!)

CRAFTS & HOME DÉCOR Just as with apparel, it is extremely important to use the right stabilizer in craft and home decorating projects. This range of products lends itself to a diverse range of projects, including children’s toys, mixed media collages, scrap-booking and so much more. They are intended to strengthen and stabilize as well as aid and add to the design process in some way. The three major categories are: Stabilizers, Tracing Cloths and Mixed Media. Screen Shot 2013-03-19 at 5.11.41 PM (simply click the image above for a handy pdf download!)

QUILTING The products included in this segment are those that are used to assist in the design of a quilt or to add weight or warmth to the final quilted project. The three major categories are Fleece, Quilting Aids & Batting. Screen Shot 2013-03-19 at 5.11.14 PM (simply click the image above for a handy pdf download!)

EMBROIDERY Embroidery backings and toppings are used to stabilize fabric during machine and hand embroidery to avoid stretching and distortion. There are several types of embroidery stabilizers to go along with different fabric types and projects. The three major categories are Tear-Away, Cut-Away, & Wasy-Away. Screen Shot 2013-03-19 at 5.11.26 PM (simply click the image above for a handy pdf download!)

FUSIBLE WEBS & ADHESIVES Fusible Webs feature a steam heat-activated glue that will fuse fabric to fabric or any other porous surface such as cardboard or wood. The bond created between the two surfaces allows for an easy, no-sew finish. New to the line are Pellon®’s laminates which are designed to offer a protective finish. The three major categories are Paper-backed, No-Backing & Laminates. (see above for pdf)
Quite a lot, right? We're constantly adding to our product line, with the end goal of creating products that are useful, convenient and readily available to our consumers. Don't forget to visit the website for more info, and always feel free to email me with any questions!

As a little parting gift, I thought you might like some handy little postcards that we made for attendees of Sewing Summit and Quiltcon.
apparelpost
handbagpost


(just click on the images above to download a free printable!)
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Thanks again to Jenelle for having me as a guest today! I hope that the information is helpful and that it inspires some fabulous new projects. Create and enjoy!!
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Ready to give it a try? Visit the Pellon Project gallery for free downloadable projects from top designers and artists- from beginner to advanced there are project ideas for everyone! How will you use interfacing- tell us now in the comments below! 

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