My favorite interfacings for pouches

There is a problem with the interfacing we use for pouches: there are too many on the market and it is hard to find the best one for a specific project. That’s why it is easier to find out what works for others, buy those products and try them yourself.

Each project is unique and what works for one could ruin another one. But in time, with practice, you will find a few favorites. I have in the drawer three drawstring bags, made with three different types of interfacing and none of them has the look I wanted for them!

So I thought to share with you what interfacing I used for my latest pouches. Have you seen them yet?

You can’t use any interfacing for such design: it can’t be too heavy, it can’t be too light.

For these pieces I used Decovil Light (Pellon 525 Decovil Light).

These are the two types of interfacing I used for the accordion card holders above.
Decovil Light (Pellon 525 Decovil Light) for the base pouch and Vilene S320 (similar is Pellon Craft Fuse) for the accordion pieces.

Both are non-woven interfacing; when it is pressed, it does not distort- great if you want to keep it out of seam allowances.
Decovil light is a medium weight interfacing while Vilene S320 is much lighter.

If you are not happy with the body and stiffness given by one layer, you could use two layers.

I made this accordion pouch in two sizes; while the two interfacings mentioned above work fine with the small version,  for the big size I used a different combo of interfacings.

Decovil Light (Pellon 525 Decovil Light) for the accordion pieces and Decovil I (heavyweight) (Pellon 526 Decovil)  for the base pouch with flap.

You can see the HUGE difference between them. I don’t use the heavyweight stuff often in pouches, but due to the design of the piece, I thought the base pouch needs more structure – I am very happy with my choice.

If you have the heavy Decovil and are intimidated by its stiffness, I can assure you that working with it is not as hard as you think. To be successful, you have to cut your pieces so they do not include seam allowance. Turning your piece right side out requires just a little more patience, you don’t need additional skills for this!

If you don’t have Decovil heavy, you can use Fast2Fuse or Pellon Peltex.

And how about these sweet pieces? I made them with Decovil light. Vilene S320 would have been too lightweight. Due to the way the piece is stitched and the small size, I excluded the heavyweight Decovil from the start!

This is what I used for these projects; if you find yourself in a shop with lots of interfacings, just buy some in different weights and see how they work for you.  For us, bag and pouch makers, choosing interfacing in a shop could be an exciting job! I am sure you can make great combinations from other types or other brands.

Interested in sewing projects like these ones? Check out my Accordion Card Holders patterns here.

Happy sewing!