I just bought some of the Sew Classic Linen-Amaretto Linen Look that is on sale at JF to make a couple of Ren Shirts for myself. I neglected to pick up the interfacing called for. The Pattern I am using is Simplicity 3758. My question is... Is the interfacing critical and/or HA? Is there something else I may be able to use? Is any kind of "Interfacing" necessary at all? I'm going for a lower class look here... Not quite peasant but nowhere near a noble or anyone with money if that makes any difference.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
The Renaissance shirts I do, Beaudan, I use a non-fusable, loose weave interfacing for Neck pieces and Cuffs. This way, there is some support to the fabric for when I apply ruffs.
(http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs005.snc1/4417_104946906279_568686279_3098313_643276_n.jpg)
(http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs005.snc1/4417_104947351279_568686279_3098319_6808774_n.jpg)
For a shirt I wouldn't think it's needed at all. Just use the same fabric for the facing.
Is interfacing 'critical'? Not really, but I do like to use it to put some added strength to the cuffs and collars because they see alot of stress and strain.
Is interfacing H/A? Yes it is. Collars and cuffs were lined with linen or other fabric to provide stiffness and support.
FYI- The "Sew Classic Linen" usually isn't actually linen. They confuse a "linen weave" with actual linen fibre and half the clerks they employ don't know the difference.
Quote from: sealion on August 30, 2009, 07:38:57 AM
FYI- The "Sew Classic Linen" usually isn't actually linen. They confuse a "linen weave" with actual linen fibre and half the clerks they employ don't know the difference.
Yeah... I already knew it wasn't actually Linen, but it looks good for the price compared to linen... right now... So would it work to just double up the fabric in the collar and the cuffs? Kind of a "self" interface?
If your mock linen is a loose weave, choose something with a tighter weave to use for interfacing. Something of the weave of polycotton sheeting, perhaps.
I am glad you asked this. I was going to ask the very same thing for my doublet. It calls for interfacing for the front where the grommets go for lacing. I was wondering if it was necessary or even H/A. Now I know. Thanks for post the question Beaudan. ;)
DragonWing:
Yes, you will need interfacing (or a heavier inner fabric) for your doublet when the grommets go. It is very important that area must have the appropriate stiffness to it so that it does not-
a. Bunch up when it's laced up
b. Pull the actual grommets out when it's laced up.
Hope that helps...
Lady von Groper, thank you so much.
That does help and I understand why I would need it. The outer fabric is a loose weave and I am using broad cloth for the lining. I have made modern day gowns and dresses in the past and always used interfacing for the bodice. I was wondering like Beudan weather it was H/A and since I am using a heavier lining I wasn't quite sure. I will make sure I use interfacing.
Well since no one will see the lining, it probably won't matter if its H/A or not.
And honestly, a lot of the men's 16th century clothing in the V&A museum is pure wool.
Not exactly outdoor summer wear stuff.
I use cotton lining for almost anything that needs lining.
Thanks to everybody for all of the advice... I guess it really doesn't matter if it's H/A or not... I was just curious as to what a low-life like me would have used back then if anything.
I don't want to sound like I'm fighting the interfacing... it's just that, to get to the nearest fabric store it's a 37 mile drive, thru road construction most of the way. If I could get away with using something I might already have around the house rather than spend more money on gas than the cost of the item I'm driving to pick up... I'm gonna do it ::)