Difference Between Interlining and Interfacing (With Table)

Interlining refers to a fabric used between two layers of fabric. Interlining is generally not noticeable in a garment because it is carried out in the inner layers. There are several reasons for interlining garments. The common materials used in interlining are non-woven fabrics and canvas flannel. Dressmakers may choose to add interlinings to the neck or belt of a garment. 

Interfacing refers to the fabric used on the unseen side of the garment. While interfacing may be required in some garments, it may not be a necessity in others. A likely outcome of wrong interfacing is that the garment may become rigid. Interfacing controls and reinforces the shape of the garment. 

Comparison Table Between Interlining and Interfacing 

What is Interlining?

Interlining refers to an accessory used between two layers of fabric. The objective behind interlining garments is to provide them with support and reinforcement, control areas of garments, and maintain the shape and structure of garments. Interlining may be applied to base fabric either by sewing or by bonding. Finishing is a necessary step in interlining to improve the properties of the garment. 

There are two well-known types of interlining: non-fusible interlining and fusible interlining. The advantages of non-fusible interlining are that it is an easy and simple technique to make flame retardant garments. It does not require the use of any elaborate machines and can be easily used in highly heated industries. A demerit of non-fusible interlining is that it is not ideal for large scale production and requires more time. 

On the other hand, fusible interlining is easily available in the market. Fusible interlining has high production potential, less fusing time and low labour requirement. However, the demerits of fusible interlining are that high temperature is a necessity and special care is a prerequisite for performing attaching interlining. 

The process of interlining uses rigid materials such as non-woven fabric and canvas flannel. Interlining can be found in jackets, coats, and vests to make them warmer. Another reason for interlining garments is to change the drape and shape. However, interlining may not be an ideal option for fabrics that are already bulky. Therefore, interlining has multi-facet applications. 

What is Interfacing?

Interfacing is the fabric used on the wrong side of the fabric to make a garment more rigid. There are several reasons for interfacing garments. For one, interfacing may be used to stiffen or add a body to the fabric. Another reason for interfacing garments is to strengthen a particular part of the garment. For instance, buttonholes and cuffs are often interfaced. 

Interfacing prevents a garment from stretching out of shape. Interfacing comes in a variety of weights and stiffness to suit various purposes. Interfacing is also offered in different colours. However, the most common colour offered by interfacing is white. Sometimes, interfacing may make a garment unnecessarily rigid. The most significant change made to a garment is through the process of interfacing. 

Interfacing may also be used to increase the durability of a garment by adding strength to it. Common fabrics used for interfacing are hair canvas, Wigan, and Buckram. Most of the interfacing fabrics are made from cotton or cotton-polyester blends. Another merit of interfacing is that they are relatively inexpensive. 

The popular types of interfacing are fusible interfacing, sew-in interfacing, non-woven interfacing, knit interfacing, and woven interfacing. There is a specific procedure to be followed to choose the weight of the interfacing fabric. To conclude, interfacing has a wide range of uses today. 

Main Differences Between Interlining and Interfacing 

1. While interlining takes place between two fabric layers of a garment, interfacing occurs on the unseen side of a garment. 
2. The purpose of interlining is to make a garment warmer. On the other hand, interfacing is done in areas of fabric that need more stability. 
3. Interlining takes place solely on non-woven fabrics. In contrast, interfacing takes place on both woven and non-woven fabrics. 
4. Merit of interlining is that it is removable to make the garments more versatile. In contrast, merit of interfacing is that it offers reinforcement to garments. 
5. An example of interlining occurs in winter coats and jackets. On the other hand, interfacing may be found in waistbands and buttonholes. 

Conclusion

Therefore, interlining and interfacing have several points of difference. The practical applications, location, purpose of usage, and examples of interlining and interfacing are distinct from each other. While interlining is done to reinforce the areas of the garment, the motive being interfacing is to make a garment relatively stiffer. 

In addition, interlining and interfacing share some similarities. Both of them are not noticeable when an individual wears a garment. The objective behind each is to maintain the shape and structure of the garment. Nonetheless, the differences between interlining and interfacing outweigh the similarities. 

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interfacing 
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/interlinings#:~:text=Interlinings%20are%20the%20accessories%20used,From%3A%20Garment%20Manufacturing%20Technology%2C%202015