Interfacing, batting and stabilisers are the unsung heroes of sewing and quilting. You rarely see them in a finished piece, but they're often the difference between a project that looks handmade and one that looks genuinely professional. Get them right and everything else falls into place - your collars sit properly, your quilts have the perfect loft, and your embroidery stays crisp and flat.
Vlieseline is the brand we reach for time and again at Quilt Direct. Formerly known as Vilene, this long-established European company produces interlinings, battings and stabilisers that are consistently reliable - the kind of materials that quietly do their job without drama. We stock a broad selection, and this guide will help you work out which product is right for your next project.
What Is Interfacing and When Do You Need It?
Interfacing is a supporting material applied to the wrong side of fabric to give it firmness, shape or stability. It's most commonly used in collars, cuffs, facings, button bands, waistbands and the structured areas of coats and jackets. Without it, these areas can stretch, sag or lose their shape after washing.
There are two main types:
Fusible interfacing has a fine adhesive coating on one side that bonds to fabric when pressed with a warm iron through a damp cloth. It's quick to apply and gives a smooth, even finish - the go-to choice for most dressmaking projects.
Sew-in interfacing is attached by stitching rather than heat, making it ideal for delicate or heat-sensitive fabrics - lace, open weaves, pleated fabrics, or anything that shows press marks easily.
Interfacing also varies in weight and stretch, so it's worth thinking about the fabric you're working with. A floaty blouse needs something very different from a structured tailored jacket.
What Is Batting and Which Weight Should You Choose?
Batting (or wadding, as we tend to call it in the UK) is the soft, insulating layer used inside quilt sandwiches, padded bags, decorative panels and warm garments. It adds loft, texture and comfort - and the weight you choose will have a big impact on how your finished project looks and feels.
Lightweight fusible batting is ideal for smaller quilted items, bag making, table runners and garments where you want only a gentle loft. Vlieseline H 630 is a popular choice here - the light fusible layer helps prevent shifting during quilting, which makes the whole process much easier.
Mediumweight fusible batting provides more body and warmth. Vlieseline H 640 is widely used for jackets, coats and quilted accessories where you want a bit more substance.
Heavyweight sewable batting is the choice when you need real insulation or structure. Vlieseline 272 Thermolam is soft and compact with excellent heat resistance - it's the one to reach for when making potholders, pot mats, ironing pads and structured patchwork projects.
What Are Stabilisers and How Do They Differ from Interfacing?
Stabilisers are used mainly for embroidery, appliqué and fine decorative techniques. Their job is to stop the base fabric from stretching, puckering or distorting during stitching. Unlike interfacing, stabilisers are often removed once the stitching is complete.
Tear-away stabilisers are removed gently after stitching and work well on stable fabrics and craft applications. Vlieseline Stitch-N-Tear is our best-selling stabiliser - we use it in the Quilt Direct studio every day for stitching demonstrations, decorative machine stitches and hooping projects. Vlieseline Fuse-N-Tear offers the same clean removal with the added benefit of a temporary fusible layer for extra stability during stitching.
Wash-away stabilisers dissolve entirely in water and are perfect for lacework, freestanding motifs and delicate embroidery. Vlieseline Solufleece gives soft support, while Vlieseline Solufix adds a water-soluble adhesive layer for precise placement.
Permanent stabilisers stay in the project to provide lasting structure - ideal for bowls, boxes, bags and structured textile pieces. Vlieseline S 320 is a versatile craft interlining that gives a stable, smooth finish and is a firm favourite for structured projects.
How to Choose the Right Product for Your Project
The simplest way to narrow it down is to ask yourself two questions: what is this project for, and how should it behave when it's finished? A blouse collar, a quilted bag and a freestanding embroidered motif each need something different. Once you're clear on the purpose and the desired result, the right Vlieseline product usually becomes obvious.
If you're still not sure, our team is always happy to help - just get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.
Always Test First
Before starting any project, we always recommend testing your chosen interfacing, batting or stabiliser on a small scrap of fabric. A quick test piece confirms the right temperature, pressing time and level of support - and it can save a lot of frustration later. It's one of those small habits that makes a real difference to the finished result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between interfacing and stabiliser?
Interfacing adds structure and body to fabric, while stabiliser supports fabric during embroidery or appliqué and is often removed afterwards. Interfacing is usually permanent; stabilisers can be tear-away, wash-away, or permanent depending on the project.
Can I use batting instead of interfacing?
Not usually. Batting adds warmth and loft (ideal for quilts and padded projects), whereas interfacing adds firmness without bulk. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.
What is the difference between wadding and batting?
They are the same thing. "Wadding" is the British term, and "batting" is the American term for the layer of fibre used inside quilts and padded projects.
Is Vlieseline the same as interfacing?
Vlieseline is a brand that makes a wide range of interfacings, stabilisers and battings. It is one of the most trusted names in the industry and is widely used in dressmaking, quilting and embroidery.
Do I need to wash interfacing before use?
It's generally not necessary, but if your finished item will be washed regularly, it's worth testing a small piece first to check there's no puckering or shrinkage after laundering.
