Had a quick question about interfacing and whether or not it's absolutely necessary when making a small bag or wallet. I found a cute wallet thanks to a link posted in the link section, but I don't have any interfacing, so I wondered if I could still make it without it? Or if that would mess it up?

Here's the link, if that helps: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=187229.0

You can't use heat n' bond or wunder under instead, can you?

The interfacing makes it more sturdy - the wunder under will make it stiffer , but should work- maybe someone else with more experience can hekp

I've made several bags and wallets and I just think it would be too flimsy without the stabilizer, heat and bond is too heavy to sew , you can use wonder under but it is to fuse 2 fabrics together, that would give it even more body if your machine can handle it. I just wouldn't waste my time doing it without, I think you'll be dissappointed.

Great question and thanks for the answers. I'm in a purse making mood today and I don't have any Pellon; almost used wonder-under. Now I guess I'll just go clean until I can get to Joann's (sigh).
Thanks for asking this!

You can use winder- under just make sure it is the light and sewable :wink: It is used for applique all the time

I have the lite version of heat n' bond, if I attempted to use it, would I leave the paper part on?

Now that one I am not sure about --- I think I would take the paper off because it will come off on the inside anyways

You could also cut up an old pair of jeans if your fabric isn't too light and use that for interfacing. Or maybe a heavier old shirt, too.

Too light colored I meant to say. Sorry bout that.

That's a good idea! Would I use heat n'bond to attach it? Or just sew it between the layers?

I would use a interfacing, whether a mid-weight iron-on or like Deco-bond. I used the prescribed Deco-bond in a "Professional tote" that I made and I would be very unhappy if I would not of added the interfacing, It would of been awful flimzy. I have a pattern to do this little wallet and my plans are to add the interfacing.
I only used Heat and Bond and Wonder-under for applique. Course now there is Steam-a-seam II, that is what I use for my applique work. Heat and Bond messes up my machine and needles.

you can use any fabric for an interfacing; muslin works well. and as for the wonder under or another fusable...you can use a fusable in your bag but it has to be ironed to something; interfacing is a fabric used to add a layer, giving body to your piece, fusable does not add that layer, it simply works like glue to hold pieces. 2 very different animals. but, any lightweight inexpensive fabric can be used instead of purchasing a separate interfacing.

I'd just sew it in there if your heat/bond is heavy. It can cause needle problems. But if realy light, go for it. Its only fabric and thread! :) I love finding stuff at home. Its a little challenge for me. We live in the boonies so kind of hard to run out for just one thing.
Let us know what you do and how it works! :)

Thanks to everyone for the tips. :)

I'm going to experiment (possibly with the jeans idea) and see what happens. I'll let you all know how it works out. :)

Cool, I'm interested in how it comes out using jeans as an interfacing. It will definitely be sturdy, which is what interfacing will do. You might have to quilt it to keep it together.

I have made a ton of bags/purses and always use interfacing in them. Someone above said they would flimsy without and she's right.

Just wanted to post a link here to my semi-finished wallet. The jean worked great! If anything it was a bit TOO stiff, but I think it will work out alright. :)

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-68454-1.htm#1679989

I would not make it without pellon. I have used batting but I didn't like it as well.

Don't worry, after being used it will break in quite nicely. Great Job!