Understanding Interfacing and Batting
Interfacing and batting are materials used to give sewing projects more structure, softness, or stability.
They may look similar at first, but they serve different purposes.
What Is Interfacing?
Interfacing is usually added to fabric to help it become:
- firmer
- more stable
- less flexible
It is commonly used for:
- bag panels
- pouch exteriors
- straps
- pockets
In garment sewing, interfacing is often added to areas that need extra structure or support, such as collars, cuffs, waistbands, front facings, pocket openings, and coat belts.
Personally, I really enjoy using Pellon 101 cotton woven interfacing.
It is lightweight, adds gentle structure without too much thickness, and works especially well for patchwork projects.
I also find it very useful for both bags and pouches because it helps maintain shape while still keeping the project flexible and easy to sew.
If you live in North America, it’s also fairly easy to find in many fabric and craft stores.
What Is Batting?
Batting is used to add softness, volume, or padding.
It is often used for:
- quilted projects
- padded pouches
- makeup bags
- laptop sleeves
Fusible vs Sew-In
Some interfacing and batting products are:
- fusible (attached with heat)
- sew-in (not attached with ironing)
Always check the product instructions before use.
Thickness Changes the Final Result
Different materials can greatly affect:
- project stiffness
- final measurements
- turning difficulty
- zipper appearance
Thicker materials may make small projects harder to turn right side out.
Choosing interfacing or batting with an appropriate thickness and structure for your project can make sewing much easier and more enjoyable.
Over time, you’ll likely discover the materials and combinations you personally enjoy working with most 😊
Beginner Tip ✨
If you are completely new to sewing, it’s often easier to start with projects that don’t require interfacing or batting first.
After that, trying projects with lightweight interfacing can be a great next step before working with thicker interfacing or batting.
Very thick batting or multiple layers of interfacing can make projects harder to sew, shape, or turn right side out.
