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Can you interline w/ something other than flannel?

13 years ago

I just bought my first sewing machine and have decided to sew my own drapes. The fabric is skimpy and I understand the way to add fullness is to add a flannel interlining between the face fabric and the lining.

The dilemma I'm facing is that the cost of the interlining is almost as much as the main fabric (bought at deep discount). Also, I have on hand a lot of yardage of a fabric that I had buyer's regret on. So my question is whether or not I can use a regular heavy fabric that I already have on hand as an interlining or must I use flannel? The drapes are going to be approx. 20 feet in length and I'm going with triple widths per panel. This is adding up to a lot of interlining and much more than I wanted to spend on the project.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer this.

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Comments (7)

dawnp
13 years ago
You might want to try posting this question on the sewing forum.

Wow, that's quite a challenging first sewing project!

I have sewn alot of drapes and have used the flannel interlining.

The only problem I could forsee is that fabric interlining will be much heavier weight) than the flannel would be. It still might be Ok though. Why don't you make a small sample and see how it works out?

I can see your dilemmma with all that yardage. If you end up needing the flannel, I would shop around on the net for a good price on it.

Good luck with your project!
skyedog
13 years ago
I second the suggestion to ask the sewing forum.

I'm currently trying to tackle drapes and had similar questions about using flannel interlining. I sent for samples of linings from various companies and there is a napped drapery lining that you might be interested in. It is a little heavier than regular lining and it is designed to used as a substitute for using both an interlining and lining. It is still soft and drapes well but it is heavier than just regular lining.

If your regret fabric is plain with no pattern, it might work but I agree with doing a mock up first.

Here is a link that might be useful: napped drapery lining
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jynxed23
Original Author
13 years ago
Sewing forum, great idea. I didn't even realize they had one. Thank you both for taking the time to respond to my post. I will try a mock up and hopefully, I will have a result to post.
spiceislands
13 years ago
I'm sorry if this is a dumb question, but can anyone tell me how to find the sewing forum? I went to Gardenweb "forums" but didn't find one dedicated to sewing. TIA!!
graywings123
13 years ago
Sewing forum

Here is a link that might be useful: sewing forum
igloochic
13 years ago
You can, and I have, but there are issues to consider which include weight (a big issue) stiffness...flannel flows much better than say an upholstry weight fabric) and pattern...a huge issue as that tiny print might not seem to show through when you hold it behind the fabric you are using as your drapes, but add sunlight...wa'la, the flowers look like crap coming through the top fabric.

Another issue is just pure stregnth. Flannel blocks out the sun and protects your top fabric from the severe damage that even a year hanging can cause to your drapes. A less dense weave won't do this and you could find that your drapes fade badly or break down (including the lining fabric).

One thing I've used as a lining and backing is coat lining. Satin on one side and flannel on the other, it's a wonderful one step answer if you can find it on sale in a light color.

I have bundles and bundles of silk that I've purchased for less than nothing....and have to say, that even when it hurts I line with flannel. If you break down your costs and compare them to what the correctly made pieces would have cost you, even at full price the flannel won't be a bad investment. It's the rare material that really does what it's made to all the time...and hard to skimp past for a good finished product.
jynxed23
Original Author
13 years ago
igloochic - thank you for the great tips and for sharing your experience. And yes, I understand completely about getting too cheap. But it is so hard to resist!

I have a sample of flannel in my hands right now. Next to me is a sample of "blackout" fabric that seems very hefty. Has anyone used "blackout" fabric with any success to line silks as a "one step" answer?

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