After talking a lot about fabric types and receiving some questions about interfacing, I thought an article on fusible interfacing might interest you. 

And above all, I thought it would be interesting to give you tips and tricks for using it correctly. 

Let's start first with a brief definition of interfacing and fusible interfacing.

Interfacing is used to stiffen or add strength to one part or another of a garment or accessory. Typically, we will interface a button placket, a collar, cuffs... or interface the area where a buttonhole will be made to reinforce it.

Interfacing can be adhesive or not. If it is not adhesive, it will be fixed by sewing. 

Fusible interfacing should not be sewn because it is fixed by heat, hence its name "fusible." Due to its ease of use, fusible interfacing has become the most commonly used today.  

                                     Here are my 6 tips for achieving perfect fusible bonding! 

 1. Choosing the right fusible interfacing 

There are several types of fusible interfacings, and to choose the right one, you need to consider the needs of your project. 

For a woven fabric garment, you would rather choose a woven interfacing that has a structure close to the fabric and therefore follows its movements well. Non-woven interfacings are made of randomly entangled fibers, so they will be less flexible than woven interfacing. There are also woven fusible interfacings cut on the bias that are called stretchable and are suitable for knit fabrics. 

Another important criterion is to check the stiffening power of the fusible interfacing. Do you need strong stiffening like for a bag or light stiffening like for a blouse cuff? 

A third criterion can also be thickness; some fusible interfacings are padded and will work well for making baby blankets, padded pouches...

2. Cut the fusible interfacing using your pattern pieces.

To easily fuse the pieces of your pattern that need it, use the pattern pieces to cut the interfacing pieces identically. 

Be careful, woven fusible interfacing has a grainline, like woven fabrics. You must respect it when cutting your pieces. 

3. Identify the direction of the fusible interfacing.

It is very important (to avoid damaging your iron or your project) to identify the sticky side of the fusible interfacing. You can easily recognize it either by the small glue dots (rough texture) or by a shiny surface. This is the side that should be placed against the wrong side of your fabric.

4. Precautions & Protections

First precaution: don’t forget to wash your fabric to avoid shrinkage because once fused, the fabric should no longer "move." 

Second precaution: iron your fabric before fusing it to avoid stiffening the folds and wrinkled parts of your fabric. It will then be difficult to remove them later. 

Protection: protect your ironing board and iron by placing a dry cloth (a piece of dry cotton fabric) because the glue can stain your board. 

5. Temperature and steam

It is important to follow the recommended temperatures for the type of fusible interfacing selected.

To make the fusible interfacing stick, never use steam.  

6. Method 

Protect your ironing board.

Set your iron (temperature / no steam).

Place right sides together (= glue side against the wrong side of the fabric) the corresponding fabric and fusible interfacing pieces.

Place your dry cloth back on your fabric.

Press the iron on the dry cloth for a few seconds (between 5 and 15 seconds depending on the fusible interfacing). Do not move or "iron over" with the iron but apply firm pressure. 

Check that the entire piece is fused (especially the edges and corners).

Here you have all the tips and tricks for proper fusible interfacing... now all that's left is to do it!