Infographic with photo of t-shirt quilt

Interfacing in T-Shirt Quilting

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Photo of t-shirt quiltOne of the most popular articles on this blog is one we wrote about using interfacings to stabilize t-shirts so you can sew the t-shirts into a quilt without stretching them out of shape. That article provoked this question from reader Stacy:

“I noticed that you state, woven or non-woven interfacing is fine. I know nothing about interfacings. Could you explain the difference between the two? Advantages and disadvantages of each type, please? I heard that some can be very stiff and I really do not want that. Thanks again!”

We thought some of you might also like to see our answer to Stacy’s question.

First, let’s start with a definition. An interfacing is “a moderately stiff material typically used between two layers of fabric in collars and facings.” In t-shirt quilting, the role of the interfacing is to stiffen and stabilize the stretchy t-shirt fabric so it doesn’t get pulled out of shape while you cut and sew it.

Photo of interfacing bolt

You will find three types of interfacings at the fabric store:

  • Woven interfacing looks and feels a bit like regular quilting fabric. It has two layers. The top layer has woven threads that run vertically and horizontally, just like quilter’s cotton. The bottom layer is a thin sheet of glue that lets you iron the interfacing to another fabric.
  • Non-woven interfacing is a single sheet that looks and feels more like felt. It also has two layers: the top layer of polyester fibers that have been matted or bonded together, and a bottom layer of glue that lets you fuse the interfacing to another fabric.
  • Knitted interfacing. Like other knits, this type of interfacing is flexible and stretchy. Because of that, you shouldn’t use it for t-shirt quilting.

Interfacings come in a variety of weights for different uses. The lightest-weight interfacings are very thin and flexible, and provide less stiffening. You will barely notice that the interfacing is there when you use the finished project. The heaviest interfacings are really thick and stiff. They are used to shape purses or make other permanently stiff shapes like petals for artificial flowers. They are much too heavy and inflexible to use for t-shirt quilts.

For t-shirt quilting, we recommend using a lightweight fusible interfacing such as Pellon Shape-Flex® (woven) or Therm-o-Web Heat’n Bond (non-woven). If you find a different brand at your fabric store, just make sure it is light weight and won’t stretch out of shape, and you’ll be good to go.

Information junkies, click here for a much more thorough explanation of interfacings and how they are used in sewing.

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43 Comments

    1. I wouldn’t, because then the t-shirts would be stretchy again and might stretch out of shape. Instead, I’d focus on finding the lightest-weight interfacing I could so the weight and stiffness will feel pleasant in the finished quilt.

  1. Hi,

    I’m currently making a t-shirt blanket and used Pellon 808. The tshirt squares feel slightly stiff to me. What can I do to make sure the blanket is soft and not firm/awkward feeling with the squares?

    1. If you have already made the t-shirt squares and are therefore are committed to this interfacing, I’d suggest washing the quilt once or twice when it’s finished. That’s the best way I know to soften up a stiff quilt.

  2. Hi,
    I understand that tee shirts and material for border need to be washed first before cutting. My question is what about the fusing? Does it need to be washed? Before or after fusing to the tee shirt squares?
    Thanks, Laura

  3. I have a ‘?’…I have some Pellon 880F sof-shape that came from I dont know where. can it be
    used for t-shirt interfacing? thank you ..Martha

  4. I have made a few tshirt quilts, but have been asked to make one using football jerseys. most of them are a silky type cloth with small holes, Not sure about ironing heat bond stablizer? and if so, can this be done with the new cricut press?

    1. Other people have brought up this question. My suggestion to them was to fuse the shirts with holes onto a backing of a lightweight cotton fabric in a color that works with the shirt. That will both stabilize the jersey and fill the holes with a compatible color. If you try this, please let us all know how it goes.

    1. I would do pretty much the same thing. Sweatshirts are stretchy, like t-shirts, so they need to be stabilized before you sew them. But sweatshirts tend to be heavier than t-shirts, so you might consider not having a batting layer in your quilt, or replacing the backing and batting layers with a lightweight layer of fleece.

  5. After making many tshirt quilts I have played with several fusibles. My current favorite is Pellon P44F. It is lightweight and budget friendly (especially with JoAnn’s 50% off coupons.

    1. Thanks for the suggestion, Teri. I’m really bad at remembering exactly which product I used, especially interfacings, which all look similar to each other, so your input is especially helpful.

  6. I have made 12 or 14 t-shirts quilts , and for some reason , the fusible interfacing is not sticking to t-shirts ?? I got a new iron & still its not ?? any thoughts ?? I used 911FF from Joann’s & W-mart please someone help , I do these for many for donations/raffles .. Thanks D Melton

    1. I would try a different brand and see if the problem continues. Also double-check the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure you are following them correctly. Good luck, Dana.

      1. I love Pellon Sheerweight Fusible interfacing for mine! No problems. This keeps the blocks from being too stiff and keeps it from being too heavy.

      2. I have bought a new iron , use no steam , some steam and it’s still not sticking .. I have called Pelion & no response, I now try using it & spray glue with the Pelion ( NON STICKY STUFF still … it’s annoying & costing more on my t-shirt quilts .. I have to make 3 more & im checking with a friend that bought stuff in England , cause it’s still not working ..
        I give up on Pellon …

        1. So sorry you are experiencing all these frustrations, Dana. There are other interfacing brands you might try that may work better for you. June Tailor and Stabili-tee are two that came up when I searched just now. I hope you find one that works better for you.

    2. I’m using the pellon 911FF featherweight and it’s not sticking to my shirts either. I’m not sure what to do. I’ve already cut 40 squares of it!

      1. I certainly don’t want to blame the victim, Tammy, but my first suggestion if the interfacing doesn’t stick is to go back to look at the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you’re following them exactly. Is your iron hot enough? (But not too hot!) Are you pressing long enough? Best of luck getting this resolved.

    3. There is a distinct difference when using iron on fusible between ironing and pressing. Pressing (press the iron in one place, lift it, place in next position and so forth) will help to bond the fusible whereas ironing will somewhat stretch the fabric and it will relax when cool. Some fusibles require steam, some do not. Using steam can also change the adhesive on some causing them not to stick or vice versa if it requires steam. Always check manufactures instructions.

  7. Just for fun I tried making a T-shirt quilt without interfacing. I sew a lot of garment knits and thought I’d give it a try. Used a “lightening” zigzag stitch and the top went together great. It quilted up great – just made sure to baste well. Kept it lightweight. Just an experiment and it worked for me.

  8. Thanks for the info. If you’ve accidentally used interfacing that is too stiff, is there any way to soften it up after the fact other than washing a lot?

    1. Not that I know of. But now that you bring up the question, I might try putting put the quilt in a cool dryer with a clean tennis shoe, to try to beat it into submission.

  9. I’ve made numerous t-shirt quilts for customers — without interfacing. When I was just starting my business I happened to be in line at a fabric store behind a woman with whom I struck up a conversation. Turns out she’d made lots of t-shirt quilts. At that point I thought interfacing was a must so I asked which kind she used. Her answer surprised me.

    She told me she doesn’t use interfacing; she uses starch. So I experimented with starch until I found a method that works for me. Starch is cheaper, easier and faster to use than applying interfacing. And it does not add stiffness or bulk to the finished quilt. Here’s my method:

    I mix liquid starch 50/50 in a bowl with warm water. I cut the t-shirts roughly to shape. I immerse the T-shirt pieces in the starch mixture, saturating them well and squeezing them out, and hang the pieces to dry. When they’re dry, I press the pieces using a spray bottle of plain water to dampen them as needed. Then I trim the blocks to size and proceed with my piecing. Any starch residue left on the iron plate comes off easily with a wet cloth, but I never had trouble with this. (Incidentally, I tried spray starch and it doesn’t work.)

    Once the quilt is quilted and bound, you can wash it to remove the starch. On customer quilts I attached a tag instructing the new owner to wash the quilt within a few months, and not to store it with the starch still in it; starch is sometimes is made from plants and can attract insects.

  10. Having made and taught t-shirt quilts I notice the one thing every blog leaves out. Super Lightweight interfacing is great as it adds no bulk, but there is some stretch to it one-way. T-shirts stretch one way. To lock the stretch out and make the t-shirt stable like any other quilt fabric you need to turn the stretch of the interfacing opposite (90 degree) to the stretch of the t-shirt.

    1. Just wanted to say I made a first time ever quilt with my Dads shirts and jeans for my Moms 80th Birthday and was scared to death I would ruin them! I used featherweight Pellon iron on per my fabric stores suggestion on all of it ..even the strips of jeans for the back. The front was sweat shirts,dress shirts,tee shirts and turned the Pellon to opposite stretch direction from material which worked. I made half square triangles and would not have been able to do them without a stabilizer! Since jeans add weight I decided not to add filler at all. It turned out well and she loves it so that’s what matters! Not stiff at all and she loves remembering the shirts in it! Wish I could add pic!

  11. I have made 40+ tee shirt quilts, interfacing is vital! However, your suggestion to use Heat N Bond is confusing, that product is fusible on BOTH SIDES and is not the correct product for this application, it will be a big mess!
    I prefer woven interfacing, Pellon SF 101, a little more expensive, so I buy it when I have a good coupon! It really keeps the squares “square,” I think that’s the trickiest part for a beginner making their first tee shirt quilt.

    1. Hi Anita,

      Thanks for giving us the benefit of your experience. 40 quilts is a huge number! Re Heat N Bond: that is a brand name for interfacing that comes in several different configurations, including a lightweight, single-sided interfacing suitable for t-shirt quilts.

    1. Thanks for your question, Tina. The answer is that for t-shirt quilting, you need an interfacing that has glue on one side only. You bond the interfacing’s glue side to the back side of the t-shirt by ironing the two layers together. That makes the t-shirt stable enough to let you cut and sew it without stretching it out of shape. After that, you simply use the combined t-shirt/interfacing as the top layer in your quilt. You can add batting and backing layers just as you would for any other quilt. Hope that answers your question.

  12. Just a comment and thought on all the wonderful kinds of interfacing one gets overseas. We only have one tiny guilters shop in Windhoek, and they don’t keep everything we quilters so dearly need. I also adore and get very very jealous about all the beautiful materials I see from overseas shops. Marika Swanepoel

  13. I feel (almost) famous. hahaha!
    Thank you so much for all of this useful information.
    It is much appreciated.
    Cheers,
    Stacy

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