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What interface do I recommend with my purse frames?

*What #number interface do you recommend?

*What interface will go best with my silk? cotton?  upholstery fabric?  vinyl? leather? oil cloth? satin? shantung? etc. etc. etc….  🙂

I get these types of questions a lot, and I always refer those who ask to my blog post about the 15% variance in interface that exists.

Click on the link or pic to access this previous post.

Given this fact, I wanted to go a step further so that you can make the best decision.

Here’s what I recommend:  (And this is not a cop-out.)

*Take your fabric (that you want to use for your clutch) with you to your local fabric supplies store and test it out with the various interface available at the store.  Get a feel for the thickness, fluffiness, stiffness, etc… with your fabric lain on top of the interface.  Remember to have all 3 or 4 layers together:  outer fabric, interface, inner fabric (+interface if you use this for your inner layer as well).  And if you want to add batting, be sure to sandwich that in as well.

Why? 

1.  Personal tastes and artistic preferences differ from one clutch maker to another:  what I consider “ideal”, others might consider “flimsy” while someone might think it’s too “fluffy”.

2.  The variance of interface from batch to batch:  up to 15%.

3.  The difference in weight of fabrics: even among cottons – quilting cotton is much thinner than other cottons.

4.  The design differences in the finished clutches:  will your design be pleated or have other design features that will affect how it lays?

5.  What size of clutch you’re making:  you wouldn’t need heavy fleece interface if you’re making a coin purse, but you might want 2 layers of Thermolam + batting if you’re making a big clutch with straps.

The other important aspect of being a clutch maker is letting your own gut and creative instinct guide you.  I provide supplies you need and teach you the basic methods, but it’s up to you to find out and determine what your creative style and vision is.  Part of the fun is deciding the materials (fabric and interface) that go into making your clutches.

Rest assured, when I designed my purse frames, I tried many different combinations of fabrics and interfaces that most clutch makers use.  This proprietary design took into account all those various weights and thickness and thinness of those materials in designing the perfect width of my u-channels.  Whatever materials that you will be using, my frames made with the Perfect Fit 6(TM) u-channel when used with Gutermann glue will accommodate you and will not require any crimping of the frames.  I’m always amazed at the different designs and materials that clutch makers have come up with!

So put your creativity hat on and go forth feeling up all kinds of interface!  Go on, it’s fun!!!  🙂

Now, that said …. I will tell you that I currently use a combination of 987F (which is Pellon’s most popular fusible interface) and 973F.   (It depends on the fabric that I’m using and the clutch that I’m making!)

Have fun out there!

~Winn 🙂

April 27, 2011 - Posted by Thy K | Helpful Tips | interface, interface for purse frames, pellon interface