Best Interfacing for T-shirt Quilt: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating a T-shirt quilt is an amazing way to preserve cherished memories from your favorite shirts. However, choosing the best interfacing for your project can be a challenge.
We love Pellon SF101 however if your fabric is worn then there are better alternatives. Thermoweb HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive is also great however some Tshirt fabrics won’t work with it.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the essentials for selecting the right interfacing, helping you create a stunning and durable quilt that will last for years to come.

Table of Contents

1. What is Interfacing?
2. Why Use Interfacing in a T-shirt Quilt?
3. Types of Interfacing
4. Factors to Consider When Choosing Interfacing
5. Top 5 Interfacing Options for T-shirt Quilts
6. How to Apply Interfacing to T-shirts
7. Tips for Working with Interfacing
8. Alternatives to Interfacing
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
10. Final Thoughts

1. What is Interfacing?

Interfacing is a textile material, typically applied to the back of fabric pieces to provide additional stability, structure, and support. It comes in various weights, materials, and types, including woven, non-woven, and knit. Interfacing can be either fusible (iron-on) or sew-in, depending on your preference and project requirements.

2. Why Use Interfacing in a T-shirt Quilt?

T-shirts are typically made from stretchy, lightweight knit fabric that can become distorted when sewn together, especially when mixed with other fabric types. Using interfacing in a T-shirt quilt offers the following benefits:

• Stabilizes the fabric to prevent stretching and distortion
• Strengthens the quilt and prolongs its lifespan
• Ensures uniformity and a professional finish
• Simplifies the sewing process by keeping fabric pieces in place

3. Types of Interfacing

There are several types of interfacing available, each with its unique characteristics:

1. Woven Interfacing: Made from woven fabric, it has a grain line and offers more stability. It’s ideal for T-shirt quilts with woven fabric elements.
2. Non-Woven Interfacing: Composed of fibers bonded together, it doesn’t have a grain line and can be cut in any direction. This type is great for T-shirt quilts because it provides consistent support.
3. Knit Interfacing: Made from knit fabric, it offers a slight stretch, which can help maintain the drape of the quilt. It’s suitable for T-shirt quilts with a mix of knit and woven fabrics.

4. Factors to Consider When Choosing Interfacing

When selecting the best interfacing for your T-shirt quilt, consider the following factors:

• Weight: Choose interfacing with a similar or slightly lighter weight than your T-shirt fabric to prevent stiffness.
• Fusible vs. Sew-In: Fusible interfacing is easier to apply, while sew-in interfacing may provide better long-term durability.
• Material: Consider the composition of the interfacing material, such as polyester or cotton, as it can affect the quilt’s overall feel and durability.

• Stretch: Determine whether you need a stretch or non-stretch interfacing based on the desired flexibility and drape of your quilt.
• Adhesive quality: Ensure that the fusible interfacing has a strong adhesive that will bond well to the T-shirt fabric without affecting its texture.
• Price: Consider your budget when choosing interfacing, but don’t compromise on quality, as it can impact the longevity of your quilt.

5. Top 5 Interfacing Options for T-shirt Quilts

Here are our top 5 recommendations for interfacing suitable for T-shirt quilts:

1. Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex: A woven, fusible interfacing made from 100% cotton, offering excellent stability and a lightweight feel.
2. Pellon 911FF Featherweight Fusible: A non-woven, fusible interfacing made from polyester, providing an ideal balance of stability and flexibility.
3. Thermoweb HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive: A lightweight, iron-on adhesive perfect for bonding T-shirt fabric to a non-stretch backing material.
4. Pellon 931TD Fusible Midweight: A non-woven, fusible interfacing offering medium support and suitable for a variety of T-shirt fabrics.
5. Pellon EK130 Easy-Knit: A knit, fusible interfacing made from polyester and rayon, providing a slight stretch and soft drape.

6. How to Apply Interfacing to T-shirts

Follow these steps to apply interfacing to your T-shirt fabric:

1. Pre-wash: Wash and dry your T-shirts and interfacing to remove any sizing and prevent shrinkage after quilting.
2. Cut: Cut your T-shirt fabric and interfacing to the desired size, adding a seam allowance.
3. Align: Place the interfacing adhesive side down onto the wrong side of the T-shirt fabric, ensuring it is smooth and wrinkle-free.
4. Press: Using an iron set to the recommended heat setting for your interfacing, gently press the interfacing onto the T-shirt fabric, adhering it in place. For sew-in interfacing, baste or pin it in place before sewing.
5. Trim: Trim away any excess interfacing around the edges.

7. Tips for Working with Interfacing

Keep these tips in mind when working with interfacing for your T-shirt quilt:

• Test a small piece of interfacing on a fabric scrap before applying it to your T-shirts.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying and caring for the interfacing.
• Use a pressing cloth to protect your T-shirt fabric and prevent adhesive residue on your iron.
• Allow the fused fabric to cool completely before handling or sewing to ensure a strong bond.

8. Alternatives to Interfacing

If you prefer not to use interfacing, you can still create a T-shirt quilt with a few alternative methods:

• Starch: Apply a heavy spray starch to your T-shirt fabric before cutting and sewing. This adds temporary stability but may not provide long-term support.
• Fabric backing: Attach a lightweight woven fabric, such as muslin, to the back of your T-shirt fabric using a basting spray or temporary adhesive.
• Double-layer: Sew two layers of T-shirt fabric together, with the right sides facing out, to create a thicker, more stable piece. This method adds weight to the quilt but can provide additional durability.

• Serging: Use a serger to sew the T-shirt pieces together, creating strong, stretch-resistant seams.
• Quilting: Add extra quilting stitches to stabilize the T-shirt fabric, especially if you’re using a non-stretch backing material. This can help maintain the quilt’s shape over time.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

When creating a T-shirt quilt, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not pre-washing: Always pre-wash your T-shirts and interfacing to prevent shrinkage and color bleeding after the quilt is completed.
• Using too-heavy interfacing: Choosing an interfacing that is too heavy for your T-shirt fabric can result in a stiff, bulky quilt. Opt for a lighter-weight interfacing to maintain the quilt’s softness and flexibility.
• Not testing interfacing: Test a small piece of interfacing on a fabric scrap to ensure compatibility and proper adhesion before applying it to your T-shirts.
• Rushing the process: Take your time when cutting, aligning, and pressing the interfacing to ensure a smooth, wrinkle-free bond.
• Ignoring the grain: For woven interfacing, align the grain lines of the interfacing and T-shirt fabric to prevent puckering or distortion.

10. Final Thoughts

Choosing the best interfacing for your T-shirt quilt is crucial for ensuring a high-quality, long-lasting final product. By considering factors such as weight, material, stretch, and adhesive quality, you can select the ideal interfacing for your unique project.

Remember to pre-wash your materials, test your interfacing, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. With the right interfacing and careful attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful, cherished T-shirt quilt that will stand the test of time.