Editing Interfacing (section)

{{Short description|Textile on the unseen side of fabrics for rigidity}}
{{otheruses|Interfacing (electronics)|Interface (disambiguation)}}
 [[File:Interfacing at hem.jpg|thumb|Interfacing used to reinforce a hem.]]

'''Interfacing''' is a [[textile]] used on the unseen or "wrong" side of [[fabrics]] to make an area of a garment more rigid.

Interfacings can be used to:<ref name="moyes">{{cite book|last=Moyes|first=Pat|title=Sewing Basics: Creating a Stylish Wardrobe With Step-By-Step Techniques|year=1999|publisher=Taunton Press|isbn=9781561582662|pages=[https://archive.org/details/sewingbasics00patr_0/page/67 67]|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/sewingbasics00patr_0/page/67}}</ref> 
*stiffen or add body to fabric, such as the interfacing used in [[shirt]] collars and cuffs
*strengthen a certain area of the fabric, for instance where [[buttonhole]]s will be sewn
*keep fabrics from stretching out of shape, particularly [[knit]] fabrics

Interfacings come in a variety of weights and stiffnesses to suit different purposes. They are also available in different colours,<ref name="moyes"/> although typically interfacing is white. Generally, the heavier weight a fabric is, the heavier weight an interfacing it will use. Interfacing is sold at fabric stores by the yard or metre from bolts, similar to cutting fabric. [[Pattern (sewing)|Sewing patterns]] specify if interfacing is needed, the weight of interfacing that is required, and the amount. Some patterns use the same fabric as the garment to create an interfacing, as with sheer fabrics.<ref name="photoguide">{{cite book|last=Creative Publishing International|title=Complete Photo Guide to Sewing: 1200 Full-Color How-to Photos|year=2009|publisher=Creative Publishing International|isbn=9781589234345|pages=70}}</ref>

Interfacing has three main 'types': woven, non-woven and knit. Each is designed to behave differently. 
Some interfacings are loosely-woven [[muslin]]-type fabrics, often stiffened with a layer of chemical additive or [[starch]]. A woven interfacing can match the grain of the fashion fabric, enabling it to retain a similar handle and drape.
Non-woven interfacings are made from fibres that are bonded or felted together. 
<ref>{{cite web
| url          = https://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/sites/fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/files/ct-mmb-183.pdf
| title        = INTERFACING 
| last         = Hackler
| first        = Nadine
| date         = 1990
| website      = College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
| publisher    = University of Kentucky
| access-date  = 
| quote        = }}</ref>

Historically, [[Haircloth|hair canvas]],<ref>{{Cite book|last=Threads magazine|title=Jackets, Coats, and Suits from Threads|pages=32}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=United States. Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce|title=Cotton Fabrics and Their Uses, Volym 18|year=1930|pages=13}}</ref> [[Wigan (fabric)|Wigan]]<ref>{{Cite book|last=United States. Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce|title=Cotton Fabrics and Their Uses, Volym 18|year=1930|pages=22}}</ref> and [[Buckram]]<ref>{{Cite book|last=Arnold|first=Janet|title=Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd|pages=151}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=United States. Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce|title=Cotton Fabrics and Their Uses, Volym 18|year=1930|pages=8}}</ref> have been used for interfacing. Most are made from cotton or cotton-polyester blends. They tend to be very inexpensive.<ref>{{cite book|author=David Page Coffin|title=Shirtmaking: Developing Skills for Fine Sewing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9H06BYNzm5sC&pg=PA8|year=1998|publisher=Taunton Press|isbn=978-1-56158-264-8|page=8}}</ref>