The Sewing Place
Tools of the Trade => The Haberdashery => Topic started by: sewingj on February 15, 2018, 19:37:16 PM
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I have never pre-shrunk interfacing and have never been aware of it shrinking later - but now I am reading more sewing books I keep being told that I should pre-shrink all types of interfacing.
So, do you do it? And if you do, how?
Also, do you cut out individual pattern pieces of interfacing and then fuse them to the fabric pieces; or fuse interfacing to the fabric and then cut out the shape ? I think I`ve seen that called "block fusing"
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I used mostly iron on interfacing and never pre-shrunk. Where interfacing is required, the pattern will say and indicate the piece from which you cut it. I have blocked fused, but it is a tricky business as you need to get it smooth. Not important on lumpy fabrics, but vital on thin or delicate. I frankly do not recommend it - ask me how I know? ;)
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I preshrink most of mine. Dunk it in the bath in warm water. Leave to soak for a while then take out, roll in a towel to get rid of most water then hang over shower door to dry off.
I have been known not to shrink that made of polyester but really prefer to do it. Any natural fibre interfacing would definitely be shrunk. Although I was using some fusible canvas for a bag a couple of years ago and decided to preshrink as I went. I cut it out larger than needed , steamed it and watched it shrink before my eyes! Then fused in place. I hate cutting interfacing and prefer to block fuse as I find it easier to cut after it's fused to the fabric.
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Never.... can’t see why you would need or want to.
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The only time in 50+ years I have ever preshrunk interfacing was canvas for a traditionally tailored jacket.
I mostly use natural fibre fabrics and have never had an interfacing problem through not pre shrinking.
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Cotton yes, polyester no.
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Never.... can’t see why you would need or want to.
I never have either.
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I'm another who mostly uses iron-on interfacing so I've never tried. If I was to undertake something complicated enough, such as a coat, that needed the sew-in stuff it would probably need dry cleaning anyway, so I can't see the point.
If you mean curtain interfacing (interlining) - which is essentially the same as (cotton) quilt wadding then if I thought the curtains might get washed I would pre-wash. I do pre-wash quilt wadding because that will shrink a bit.
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Thanks for all of your replies.
I have read a couple of books lately which say that all interfacing - including iron-on - should be pre-washed. I`m trying to do things "properly" these days but there doesn`t seem to be any actual evidence that it shrinks so I won`t be bothering!
Another confession - I don`t always cut out fusible interfacing according to the grainlines (especially small pieces) and that doesn`t seem to have made any difference either
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Fusible interfacing doesn't have a grainline and I am suspicious of the sources that say you must pre-shrink. Don't bother.
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I always cut on the grainline for woven, fusible interfacing but with non woven I just squeeze bits in where they fit.
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0_0 0_0 I once had a patchwork of interfacing on a facing piece.
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0_0 0_0 I once had a patchwork of interfacing on a facing piece.
ONCE?
I always do it- very mean with interfacing scraps, me!
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0_0 0_0 I once had a patchwork of interfacing on a facing piece.
Oh gosh, me too! I refuse to waste my scraps!
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Fusible interfacing doesn't have a grainline and I am suspicious of the sources that say you must pre-shrink. Don't bother.
The fusibles I use have a grainline. Some are polyester but you can also get fusible lawn, muslin and cotton. These I would definitely pre shrink. I wouldn't want them shrinking during the construction process which they would with pressing. You would probably end up with the garment fabric distorted.
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I most often use woven cotton fusible interfacing. It gets pressed and steamed to death and nothing has ever ended up distorted.