Why do some quilt show quilts have interfacing?
 

Hi All,

I have read in a couple of posts here and on Facebook where people have mentioned using interfacing for the quilts they plan to enter in a quilt show. The posts have never said "why" they do this. I don't enter shows, but I want my quilts to look their best, too.

It seems like the quilting stitches would appear flatter since the interfacing would add stiffness and constrain the batting??

Thanks for your help!

I know one person that use to enter all the major shows and she won several ribbons. She always backed her quilt top with featherweight fusible. She said to keep the fabric from moving when quilting. The back is stretched tight so it didn't move. She said there are lot of tricks used to make the quilt look as perfect as they could get them. The big winning show quilts are never used like a quilt are they? More like a piece of art.
I stick to local shows and fairs. LOL

I think interfacing is mostly used on quilts with wavy or difficult edges. It's sewn on the front, flipped over to the back, then you have a straight seam to stitch down. Also eliminates the need for binding.

It could also be used to make the quilt hang nicely. It would probably make it hang flat instead of being a bit wavey as quilts sometimes are.

I have heard of using two battings. One cotton and one wool to make the stitches stand out. Never thought of interfacing. I can see how that would stiffen the sandwich and make it easier to quilt those tiny quilting patterns. No wonder many look stiff as a board. Quilt show quilts are their own thing. Not usable as quilts, just for show.

The only time I use interfacing in a quilt is if I am making a tee shirt quilt. The tee shorts have to be stabilized so they don't stretch.

Thanks for your replies! I couldn't come up with a single reason on my own!

There are many weights of interfacing. The lightest weight won't add stiffness at all.

Thanks so much for your replies! I had thought and thought on why people would do this, and I just couldn't figure it out. It's good to know that if I'm not preparing a quilt for a show, then this is something I don't need to do!

I've never heard of using interfacing in a quilt before. Thanks for all of the good ideas.