Pellon Interfacing Complete Guide — Every Product and When to Use It

Pellon makes more interfacing products than most sewists realize — and using the wrong one for a project wastes time and fabric. Here’s the complete guide to the most important Pellon products and exactly when to use each.

Linda’s Electric Quilters Expert Guide

Pellon Product Guide

Product Type Weight Best For
SF101 Shape-Flex Most Popular Fusible woven Light Bags, garments, quilt binding backings
906F Sheerweight Fusible non-woven Very light Lightweight fabrics, chiffon, silk
931TD Midweight Fusible non-woven Medium Collars, cuffs, structured garments
809 Décor-Bond Fusible non-woven Heavy/stiff Home dec, bag bottoms, structured projects
805 Wonder-Under Fusible web (adhesive) N/A Applique — bonds fabric to fabric, not interfacing
Thermolam Plus Fusible fleece Medium-thick Bags, potholders, structured projects needing loft
987F Sew-In Midweight Sew-in non-woven Medium Heat-sensitive fabrics, tailoring, hand-stitched garments
▶ Quick Selection Rule Match the interfacing weight to the base fabric — never use heavy interfacing on light fabric. Use fusible for most quilting projects. Use sew-in only for heat-sensitive fabrics. Wonder-Under is NOT interfacing — it’s a bonding agent for applique only.

Common Pellon Mistakes

Mistakes to avoid

  • Using Wonder-Under as interfacing (it will bond your fabric to your iron)
  • Using Décor-Bond on quilting cotton (makes it cardboard-stiff)
  • Applying fusible side down incorrectly (rough side = adhesive side)
  • Ironing without a pressing cloth on delicate fabrics

Tips for best results

  • Press (don’t slide) with the iron for 10–15 seconds per section
  • Allow to cool completely before handling
  • Test on a fabric scrap before committing to the project
  • Always fuse to the wrong side of the fabric

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between woven and non-woven interfacing?

Woven interfacing (SF101) has a grain and moves with the fabric, producing a more natural, drapey result. Non-woven (most other Pellon products) has no grain and can be cut in any direction, producing a more uniform stiff result. Woven is preferred for garments; non-woven works well for bags and home dec.

How do I know which side is the adhesive side?

The adhesive side feels rough or slightly bumpy to the touch. The non-adhesive side is smooth. When in doubt, touch a corner to the iron at low heat — the adhesive side will slightly stick. Always fuse with the rough (adhesive) side against the wrong side of the fabric.

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