Quick Answer
Pellon Peltex is the stabilizer you reach for when fabric needs to stand up on its own. The 70 is the original sew-in ultra-firm; 71F adds fusible adhesive on one side; 72F is fusible on both sides. All three are 20″ wide, stiff as heavy card stock, and made for fabric boxes, structured bags, hat brims, and book covers.
The Peltex Family at a Glance
| Product | Type | Best When… |
|---|---|---|
| Pellon 70 Peltex | Sew-in, ultra-firm | You want maximum stiffness and plan to sew it into seams — the classic for fabric bowls and boxes |
| Pellon 71F Peltex | One-sided fusible | You want the outer fabric fused smooth to the core before assembly — our 71F listing is the one most bag makers start with |
| Pellon 72F Peltex | Two-sided fusible | Both fabric layers should bond to the core — reversible pieces, placemats, and covers |
All three live in our Pellon interfacing and stabilizer collection, sold by the yard from 20″-wide bolts.
What Peltex Does Best
Fabric boxes, baskets, and bowls — the project Peltex was born for; walls stand straight with no slumping. Bag bottoms and structured totes — a Peltex base panel keeps a bag upright on the counter. Hat brims and costume pieces — holds a curve without wire. Book and tablet covers — a rigid core that still sews. Fabric postcards and ornaments — stiff enough to mail, light enough to hang.
Sewing Tips That Save Frustration
Clips, not pins. Pins bend in Peltex and leave permanent holes; binding clips hold layers without damage. Lengthen your stitch to 3.0–3.5 mm and use a sturdy 90/14 or 100/16 needle — you are sewing through card, not cloth. Trim and grade seams: Peltex doesn't ease, so trim seam allowances close and clip corners so pieces turn cleanly. For the fusible versions, press from the fabric side with a hot, dry iron, then let the piece cool completely flat before moving it — the bond sets as it cools. A walking foot helps feed the sandwich evenly on long seams.
Peltex or Foam? Choosing Your Structure
Peltex gives firm, flat structure — think cardboard, not cushion. If your project should feel padded and bounce back instead, you want a foam stabilizer like Pellon FF78F1 Flex-Foam, and for bags that need soft body with light padding, Pellon 987F Fusible Fleece is the gentler choice. Many bag makers combine them: Peltex in the base, fleece or foam in the walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash Peltex?
Finished projects can be spot-cleaned or gently hand-washed and air-dried flat. Peltex keeps its stiffness best when it isn't crumpled through a machine wash cycle.
What is the difference between 71F and 72F?
71F has fusible adhesive on one side only; 72F has it on both sides, so the lining bonds to the core at the same time as the outer fabric.
Can I sew Peltex on a home machine?
Yes — with a fresh 90/14 or 100/16 needle, a longer stitch, and a steady pace. Reduce presser-foot pressure if your machine allows, and let the feed dogs do the work rather than pushing.
