Interfacing, Stabilizer, Fusible Webbing, Quilting Fleece, and Batting - Oh My!

At a glance, it all looks the same and can be pretty confusing. These items are normally placed by the cutting table, probably because everyone has questions about which one to use.

Below are the spec’s for each to help differentiate between them! So next time your pattern calls for Interfacing, you won’t purchase Fusible Webbing like I did!


Interfacing
in(t)ərˌfāsiNG/
noun
1. a moderately stiff material, especially buckram, typically used between two layers of fabric in collars and facings.

It’s job: To provide body and stability. Here’s the biggie…You leave it in! So when you think Interfacing think permanent!

Notes:

• Fusible or Sewn in. 
• Applied to the wrong side of the fabric. 
• Available in different weights and various stiffness. (featherweight comes in a charcoal color, but is normally white) 
• Sold off the bolt or in packages. 
• Popular manufacturers: Pellon (bolts are color coded. Pink-Apparel, Yellow- Crafts and Home Décor, Green- Quilting) 
• Sold at JoAnn Fabric or probably your local Quilt Store. 

Pellon Style # 911FF Fusible Featherweight Interfacing for light to medium weight fabrics

Stabilizer
stābəˌlīzər/
noun
1. a thing used to keep something steady or stable, in particular.
*another term for horizontal stabilizer.

It’s job: Temporarily support for such things as machine embroidery. Here’s the biggie to remember…It’s temporary! Once you use it, you wash it away, tear it away or cut it away.

Notes:

• Fusible, Sewn in, or already Sticky 
• Applied to the wrong side of the fabric. 
• Available in different weights and various stiffness 
• Sold off the bolt or in packages. 
• Popular manufacturers: Pellon (bolts are color coded. Yellow-Crafts and Home Décor, Blue-Embroidery) Sullky, Thermo-web, Warm, Clover. 
• Sold at JoAnn Fabric or probably your local Quilt Store. 

Since I’ve opened Pandora’s Box, let me help clarify some other finds on the same shelf as the Interfacing and Stabilizers…it’s Fusible Webbing, Quilting Fleece, and just so we’re totally in the know, we’ll touch base on Batting too!


Fusible Webbing 
fyo͞ozəbəl/
adjective
1. able to be fused or melted easily.

It’s job: To stick or fuse together. Both sides have heat-activated glue, and for the webbing part, well, just think of it like a spiders web. We use this to stick two pieces of fabric together, helpful when Appliqueing.  Remember the bumpy side will be the fusible side!

Tip: When using, lift and press the iron don’t slide the iron. Sliding can cause unwanted wrinkles! Super important, check for specifications regarding steam or no steam and use an Applique Pressing Sheet. You don’t want to get that sticky residue on your iron plate!
Notes:

• Available in multi weights 
• Sold off the bolt or in packages. 
• Popular manufactures: Stich Witchery, Head n Bold, Wonder Under, Heat n Bond, Therm-o-web, Dritz. 

Pellon Style #725 Heavy Duty Wonder-Under paperback Fusible Webbing

Heat-n-Bond Ultrahold

Protective Ironing Sheet

Quilting Fleece 
fleece
flees/
noun
1. a fabric with a soft, silky pile, used for warmth, as for lining garments.

It’s job: To add thickness and softness. When you want to make a bag that will hold its shape and not feel like cardboard, here’s your option!

Notes:

• Fusible or Sewn in. 
• Applied to the wrong side of the fabric. 
• Denser than Batting, loftier than Interfacing. Available in different weights. 
• Sold off the bolt or in packages. 
• Popular manufacturers: Pellon (bolts are color coded. Green- Quilting) June Tailor, Therm-o-web. 
• Sold at JoAnn Fabric or probably your local Quilt Store. 

Batting 
bat·ting
noun
1. cotton wadding prepared in sheets for use in quilts.

It’s job: To provide a softness that melts into you. We aren’t looking for any stiffness or support - it’s all about the softness and snuggablility!

Notes:

• Sewn in. 
• Sewn into the middle of two fabrics. 
• Less structure than Quilting Fleece. Available in different weights and lofts. (think of loft as the height of which your home baked bread rises. The more loft the more airy) 
• Sold off the bolt or in packages. 
• Popular manufacturers: Quilters Dream, Warm Company. 
• Sold at JoAnn Fabric or probably your local Quilt Store.

Lofty Batting used in our wedding quilt.  It's soooo cozy!

And finally, I know I said that was it but then I found another product that I had never heard of. So we are learning about this one together!


Thermolam Plus
noun
1. It is an extra lofty, needled fleece that will remain lofty after fusing.

It’s job: An extra lofty fleece! It’s a needle-punched fleece with a protective scrim that can provide some warmth. This can be used on fabric, cardboard or wood!

Notes:

• Fusible or sew-in.
• Available only in one weight. 45” by the yard width. 100% Polyester.
• Sold off the bolt.
• Only manufacturer: Pellon (bolts are color coded. Green- Quilting)
• Sold at JoAnn Fabric or online. 

Whew! There you have it!

All this chat about the things you can’t even see when you have a finished product. But knowing what to use for each particular sew-able will really make your item shine, like it should!

And please try to support your local Quilt Stores. If we don’t, they won’t stay open. If you have further questions or any quilting questions go to your local quilt store and ask them (or of course you can ask me). That’s why they’re there! They know these products, they’d love to help and they want to hear what you’re working on.