Sunday 10 March 2013

Interlining Novice

Well here it is, in all the years I have been sewing I have never sewn an interlining, and if I have it must have been many many years ago, and I just don't remember doing it.

I mentioned that I had run up a sample dress for Alana my DGD, one of the two little toddlers who will be wearing B5705 as one of the bridesmaid dress designs, and while it was ok, it wasn't quite right, that being that I didn't follow all the instructions, and in my enthusiasm to get something done, I left out the interlining.

Yesterday I did manage to purchase the fabric for B5710 which I am using for my older bridesmaids and while I was there I purchased some organza to interline the little dresses too.

So to make two interlined and lined bodices I had to cut out :-


  • 2 bodice fronts (fashion fabric)
  • 2 bodice fronts (lining)
  • 2 bodice fronts (interlining) = 6 pieces, then the same for the bodice backs too.


There is no denying that there is a lot of extra work involved here and just to get to this stage, I had to:-


  1. tack interlining to wrong side of fashion fabric pieces
  2. replace pattern pieces over the new double fabric piece and mark up darts etc.
  3. sew in the darts (through both fabric pieces) - press
  4. sew front to back pieces at shoulder edges - press
  5. sew darts in lining pieces - press
  6. attach back to front at shoulder edges - press
  7. right sides together attach lining to fashion fabric sewing neck and armscyes.
  8. trim seams, clip where necessary - press
  9. understich were possible
  10. press again
When I compare the interlined bodice with the first one which only had lining there is a huge difference and I am so pleased I decided to do this again.

I now have to repeat the process for the skirt pieces - they are cut out and ready to go.  Typing this blog entry is just giving me a little break before I start sewing again.

Just before I go, my DD and I popped into a bridal boutique yesterday and I took a peak at some of the dresses and looked inside and out.  I was horrified to see a very simple dress, with the same bodice as the one I am making for my little ones, but a much smaller skirt (in terms of volume) and they wanted £140 for it.  It was marked up for ''age 4", and the finish on the whole garment was really rough.

Many of us are our own worst critics when it comes to sewing, but I figure whatever the quality of the job I make on my bridesmaid dresses, it will still be better than the one I saw yesterday, and I would encourage any of you reading this who is thinking about doing some sewing for a wedding, you should have the courage of your convictions and give it a go. (That was my little soapbox moment) finished now lol.

Hope you have had a successful sewing weekend.  Catch you later....................



20 comments:

  1. I never sewn interlining either. Such interesting post.

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    1. Thanks Rachel, now I have done it, I can see so many uses.

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  2. You will never be able to put a price on the beautiful wedding dresses you are creating! They will be constructed with such care and dedication. Fancy the interlining making such a difference...J

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    1. Well Judith, there is that to it. My daughter said why don't you just go and buy your wedding dress, but I really really want to make it - I just hope I do it justice. As for the interlining, if there is a fabric that needs a little more body, the interlining does just that.

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  3. I didn´t even knew there was such a thing! This is so interesting and I just know all your hard work is going to pay off and the dresses are going to be brilliant!

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  4. i always cut and sew the interlining as one with the fashion fabric and then line the whole thing, eliminating one step. is that cheating? ;)

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    1. Barbara, I guess provided that you can do it carefully enough (and it works) its fine. I know I cheat when I can lol

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  5. A lot of work but well worth it. It will be lovely to see the finished little dresses!

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    1. thanks Diana

      I have just finished interlining all the skirt pieces but that is a job for tomorrow

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  6. I have interlinked and love the results. I don't do this on rodeo gowns as the girls don't want to pay the extra cost. I know I will do it on my clothing. Ron Collins spoke about interlining his linen pants and how they didn't wrinkle as much as when not interlined.

    Can hardly wait to see the finished dresses.

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    1. I have seen Ron's comment on interlining his trousers and want to give that a go myself.

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  7. Good for you! I love using interlining - I think maybe fusible interfacing turned sewists away from this great sewing option. Particularly good for collars and facings that might need to be soft but not floppy! Your little dress is sooo pretty.

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    1. Thanks Coco, I think I may just sart to love it too.

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  8. Those dresses will be beautiful.

    If you fancy the 10-10-118 top, I could trace it for you, there are only 3 pieces!
    I had to add a FBA with a side dart for daughter the second (c) but I'm sure you could cope - maybe after the wedding?

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    1. Thank you Karen - I'll definitely ping you after the wedding thank you so much for the offer, so kind of you.

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  9. Interlining makes such a huge difference in the appearance of the garment. I love to interline my skirts made from woven fabric as it cuts down on wrinkles. I interlined all of my wedding gowns with a very fine cotton batiste. Yes, it makes for more work, but so worth the effort in the end.

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    1. Thanks Rhonda, I think this is something I will certainly be experimenting with going forward.

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  10. Interlining makes such a quality improvement in any garment. You may have a bit extra work, but so worth it. This will be such a beautifully dressed wedding party.

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  11. great post!Pdiddly,we are woven and nonwoven fusible interlining factory 17years in China, if you have any question about interlining, please no hesitate to let me know.

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