As a quilter, I know how important it is to choose the right interfacing for a t-shirt quilt. Interfacing is a material that adds stability to the t-shirt fabric and prevents it from stretching out of shape, which is crucial for creating a neat and professional-looking quilt.
After researching and testing various types of interfacing, I have compiled a list of the best interfacing options for t-shirt quilts. In this article, I will share my findings and provide you with all the information you need to choose the right interfacing for your next t-shirt quilt project.
What is Interfacing for T-Shirt Quilts?
Interfacing is a material used to stiffen and stabilize the stretchy t-shirt fabric used in making t-shirt quilts.
It is typically placed between two layers of fabric, like collars and facings, to add bulk and rigidity. In t-shirt quilting, interfacing is essential to prevent the t-shirts from stretching out of shape while cutting and sewing. It also helps to make the quilt more durable and long-lasting.
There are different types of interfacing available in the market, including woven and non-woven. Woven interfacing is made from woven fabric and provides a stable base for knit fabrics. Non-woven interfacing, on the other hand, is made from synthetic fibers and is more stable and durable than woven interfacing.
When choosing the best interfacing for your t-shirt quilt, it is essential to consider the weight and stretch of the t-shirts.
What is the best pellon interfacing for t-shirt quilt?
Lightweight fusible interfacing, like Pellon Shape-Flex® or Therm-o-Web Heat’n Bond, is recommended for t-shirt quilting and I much prefer the Pellon fusible interfacing.
It should be light enough not to stretch out of shape and strong enough to provide the necessary support.
Overall, interfacing is an essential material in t-shirt quilting that helps to stabilize and strengthen the t-shirts.
Choosing the right interfacing can make a significant difference in the overall quality and durability of your t-shirt quilt.
Types of Interfacing for T-Shirt Quilts
When it comes to selecting the right interfacing for your t-shirt quilt, there are several options to choose from. Each type of interfacing has its own unique characteristics that make it suitable for different projects.
In this section, I will discuss the four most common types of interfacing for t-shirt quilts: fusible woven interfacing, non-woven interfacing, fusible knit interfacing, and sew-in interfacing.
Fusible Woven Interfacing
Fusible woven interfacing is a popular choice for t-shirt quilts because it is lightweight and easy to work with. This type of interfacing has a woven texture and is made from a blend of polyester and cotton fibers.
It comes in a variety of weights, so you can choose the one that best suits your project. Fusible woven interfacing is applied to the back of the t-shirt fabric with an iron, which helps to stabilize the fabric and prevent stretching.
Non-woven Interfacing
Non-woven interfacing is another option for t-shirt quilts. It is made from synthetic fibers that are bonded together to create a stable, non-woven fabric. Non-woven interfacing is available in a variety of weights, and it can be either fusible or sew-in. This type of interfacing is lightweight and easy to work with, and it provides excellent stability and support for t-shirt fabrics.
Fusible Knit Interfacing
Fusible knit interfacing is a good choice for t-shirt quilts that have a lot of stretch. This type of interfacing is made from a blend of polyester and spandex fibers, which allows it to stretch along with the t-shirt fabric. Fusible knit interfacing is applied to the back of the t-shirt fabric with an iron, which helps to stabilize the fabric and prevent stretching. It is available in a variety of weights, so you can choose the one that best suits your project.
Sew-in Interfacing
Sew-in interfacing is a traditional option for t-shirt quilts. It is made from a variety of fibers, including cotton, polyester, and silk. Sew-in interfacing is not fusible, so it must be sewn onto the back of the t-shirt fabric. This type of interfacing provides excellent stability and support for t-shirt fabrics, and it is available in a variety of weights.
Each type of interfacing has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. When selecting the right interfacing for your t-shirt quilt, consider the weight and stretch of your t-shirt fabric, as well as the overall look and feel you want to achieve. With the right interfacing, you can create a beautiful and durable t-shirt quilt that will last for years to come.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Interfacing
Fabric Type
When selecting interfacing for your tshirt quilt, it’s important to consider the type of fabric you will be using. If your tshirts are made of lightweight fabric, then you should choose a lightweight interfacing that won’t add too much bulk to your quilt. On the other hand, if your tshirts are made of heavier fabric, then you should choose a heavier interfacing that will provide more stability and support.
Tshirt Size
The size of your tshirts is another important factor to consider when choosing interfacing. If your tshirts are all the same size, then you can use a standard size interfacing. However, if your tshirts vary in size, then you will need to choose an interfacing that can be cut to the size of each tshirt. This will ensure that your quilt is properly supported and stabilized.
Quilt Size
The size of your quilt is also an important factor to consider when choosing interfacing. If you are making a small quilt, then you can use a lightweight interfacing. However, if you are making a larger quilt, then you will need to choose a heavier interfacing that can provide more support and stability.
Washing and Care Instructions
It’s important to consider the washing and care instructions for your tshirt quilt when choosing interfacing. If you plan on washing your quilt frequently, then you should choose an interfacing that can withstand repeated washing and drying. Additionally, you should choose an interfacing that is easy to care for and won’t require special handling or cleaning.
How to Apply Interfacing to Tshirt Quilt
Step 1: Cut the Interfacing to Size
Before starting, it is essential to have the right size of interfacing. Cut the interfacing to the size of the t-shirt block. It is best to use a rotary cutter and a ruler to cut the interfacing to the exact size of each t-shirt block.
Step 2: Iron the Interfacing to the Tshirt
Place the interfacing with the glue side down on the back of the t-shirt. Ensure that the interfacing covers the entire block.
Press the interfacing to the t-shirt using an iron on a medium heat setting. Iron the interfacing for about 10 to 15 seconds, moving the iron in a circular motion to ensure that the interfacing is bonded evenly to the t-shirt.
Repeat this process for all the t-shirt blocks. Once all the t-shirts have interfacing on the back, they will be stable enough to cut and sew without stretching out of shape.
Step 3: Sew the Tshirts Together
Once all the t-shirts have interfacing on the back, it is time to sew the t-shirts together. Arrange the t-shirts in the desired order and sew them together.
It is best to use cotton sashing to separate the rows and columns of the t-shirts. This will provide additional stability to the quilt and prevent it from stretching out of shape.
After sewing the t-shirts together, you can add batting and backing to the quilt and then quilt it as desired.
By following these steps, you will have a beautiful t-shirt quilt that will last for years to come.
Conclusion
After researching and analyzing the different types of interfacing for t-shirt quilts, I have come to the conclusion that interfacing is not necessary in the construction of t-shirt quilts. While some quilters may prefer to use interfacing for added stability or structure, modern t-shirt quilt designs and sewing machine technology have made it possible to create beautiful and functional t-shirt quilts without the use of interfacing.
However, if you do choose to use interfacing, it is important to select the right type for your project. A fusible interfacing with glue on one side only, such as Heat n Bond, is the best option for t-shirt quilting. This type of interfacing will provide some firmness without being too stiff and will fuse evenly and quickly to the fabric.
It is also important to consider the cost of using interfacing, as it can increase the overall cost of your quilt without necessarily improving its quality. Ultimately, the decision to use interfacing or not should be based on personal preference and the specific needs of your projec
