Interfacing

This uninteresting-looking stuff is interfacing:


In this case "uninteresting" is just fine, because this stuff is designed not to be seen. It is mainly used to reinforce or stiffen areas of fabric in a garment or project. The collar of a shirt would be a classic example. I've got it out today because I'm making a silk evening bag and I need to reinforce the base.




Interfacing comes in a variety of weights and presentations. This one is iron-on. You might just be able to see the shine of the heat-activated glue on the upper part of the pic. Here it is ironed in place:

I've folded over a corner of the fabric so you can see that it's not visible on the right side, though the fabric does, of course, handle differently.

Just a warning about anything "iron-on", make sure you don't melt a bit of the glue onto either your ironing board or the sole-plate of your iron. It makes sticky dirty marks. If in doubt, it's worth using a piece of scrap fabric in between.

There can be a bewildering array of rolls in the shop when you go to buy interfacing. If your pattern doesn't specify what to buy, you can ask for help and describe exactly what you're planning to use it for. Hopefully the sales assistant will be able to guide you through the choices.