What is the difference between interface and lining?

The two linings and the interface are structural details, designed as a stitched fabric used in combination with others. They essentially modify the way the fabric moves or looks.

In clothing manufacturing, they are usually hidden while wearing a piece of clothing. They are there to help keep the figure in shape, make clothes more comfortable and wearable, add reinforcement when necessary and provide a neat and professional appearance.

Interfaces and linings are not only used in garment manufacturing. They are an integral part of other sewing items, such as sewing, appliques, plush toy making and so on. Depending on the project, they can be used to increase the main body, provide shape and rigidity, reinforcement or any other effect.

Although they have similar characteristics, the lining and interface have unique characteristics and functions.

Interface Type

The interface is a support material designed to provide stability, sturdiness and reinforcement to the fabric. It has a wide range of applications in sewing, so it has a variety of forms. It changes in three main ways:

Types of

There are three types of interfaces:

Braided

The braided interface is very durable.

Its weaving creates movement, which means it can usually maintain the drape of the fabric it is paired with.

Because it is woven, this interface has a distinct texture. Therefore, it needs to be cut in a way that considers the grain.

The woven interface may wear out, so it must be handled carefully when cutting, sewing and finishing.

Non-woven interlining

The interface is made of unwoven fibers that are bonded together.

It can be cut in any direction, regardless of particles, and will not wear. This allows for faster and easier work, and because there is less waste, it is usually cheaper.

The nonwoven interface does not provide the same mobility and drape as the woven interface, so it should be used in less important projects.

The weight range of non-woven fabric interface is the widest, from small and thin to thick to cardboard. You will be able to find the product that best suits the needs of your project.

The soft non-woven interface can be used for sewing craft projects to increase pillow-like softness and springiness.

knitting

The knitted interface has a certain degree of elasticity, so it is very suitable for use with knitted fabrics.

weight

The weight of the interface varies, and each provides a different degree of movement, stiffness and support for the fabric. If you are using a pattern, make sure to check its required interface weight.

The lightest interface is so delicate that you can easily see it, and the heaviest interface is as thick as cardboard. When using the selected structure, make sure to choose an interface that provides the quality required by the project. As a general rule of thumb, please use optical interfaces with lightweight fabrics, and vice versa.

application

The interface can be applied in two ways:

Sew on

This is the traditional method of adding interfaces, and in many cases it is still the method of choice. The interface is cut into the same shape as the fabric it supports, and is sewn in the garment being created. This means that the interface and the fabric are on top of each other, but are not connected together except for the seam.

This method is ideal when you do not want to change the feel and texture of the fabric, and you want the fabric and the interface to move independently of each other.

Seam sewing is more forgiving, because if an error occurs during the garment making process, it can be deleted.

Thermal bonding

The fusible interface can be ironed onto the fabric before sewing and literally bonded to the fabric itself, making it thicker and stiffer. When ironed to the "wrong" (back) side of the fabric, the small glue dots on the interface side will melt and fuse the two together.

The way they are bonded means that the interface will change how the fabric feels and moves. This may be the ideal quality, but if you are not sure, please test a swatch first to see if you are satisfied with the combination.

Not all structures can handle the application of fusible interfaces. For example, lace, metal fabric and velvet should not be used with it.

Once the fusible interface is applied, it is difficult to remove it, so it is important to use it carefully and make sure you are satisfied with the look and feel before adhering it to the fabric.

The interface will be accompanied by instructions for use and maintenance. Please refer to these contents before starting the project.

Lining type

If you spend time making beautiful handmade garments, you will need to spend extra effort on lining. This will make the finished product more durable, more comfortable, and make it more professional.

Lining fabric

There are many choices of lining fabrics, each with different qualities. Some of the most readily available and widely used are:

Rayon

Rayon is a synthetic fiber, making it cheap and easy to obtain.

It does not generate static electricity like other synthetic fibers, which makes it a popular choice for clothing manufacturers.

Although it is not as breathable as natural fibers, it still feels smooth on the skin.

Acetate

Acetate is a kind of rayon with a unique luster and silky finish.

It is not easy to wrinkle, so it is easier to care between washing, but it does need dry cleaning when it needs to be cleaned.

Polyester

Polyester is another synthetic fiber that is both durable and soft.

It is available in a variety of colors, so it is easy to find the most suitable color for your project.

Interlock, stretch or spandex

These stretch lining options can be used with knitted fabrics and other stretch fabrics.

They can be two or four ways of stretching, so be sure to check how the selected lining moves and how it interacts with the fabric.

cotton

As a natural fabric, cotton is breathable and comfortable to wear.

Unless it is mixed with other fibers, there is usually not much stretch.

Cotton is easy to clean, so it is a good choice for children's clothing or daily wear.

wire

Silk is the lining choice for breathing and feels soft and luxurious on the skin.

This is the most expensive lining option, but if you want to make a special piece, the price is worth it.

Silk blending can reduce the cost of lining while retaining some desirable fiber qualities.

lining

Some sewing projects require the addition of interlining.

This is a layer of lining between the outer fabric and the inner lining.

Usually used to increase the warmth of clothing, but can also be used to provide further thickness and structure.

Whether you are looking for a lining or an interface, you should always consider how it interacts with the selected fabric.

When possible, test their feel by pricking samples or testing pendants in your hands.

Designed to pair lightweight fabrics with lightweight linings and vice versa.

Also consider the color of the lining and interface. Likewise, when possible, pair light with light, and dark with dark.