The Benefits of Non-Woven Interlining in Garment Manufacturing and Home Textiles

Interlining is an essential yet often overlooked component in garment construction and home textiles. It plays a critical role in enhancing the structure, shape, and overall durability of products. Whether you're a garment manufacturer creating tailored suits or a home textile producer designing luxurious curtains, the right interlining can make all the difference. Among the various types available, non-woven interlining has become a popular choice in the textile industry, offering numerous advantages over its woven counterpart.

This article explores the benefits of using non-woven interlining, details its applications, and compares it to woven alternatives to help you make informed manufacturing decisions.

Introduction to Interlining Fabric

Interlining fabric is a crucial component in garment construction, playing a vital role in providing stability, shape, and support to the outer fabric. It is a layer of fabric inserted between the outer fabric and the lining, and its primary function is to enhance the overall appearance and durability of the garment. Interlining fabric can be made from various materials, including woven and non-woven fabrics, and is available in different types, such as fusible interlining and non-fusible interlining. In the fashion industry, interlining fabric is used to add structure and stability to garments, ensuring a professional finish and a comfortable wear.

What is Non-Woven Interlining?

Non-woven interlining is a type of fabric that is made without the traditional weaving or knitting process. Instead, it is produced by bonding or felting fibers together using heat, pressure, or adhesives. Common materials used in non-woven interlining include polyester and nylon, making it a versatile and durable option for various applications.

Unlike woven interlinings, which involve interlacing threads to create a structured fabric, non-woven interlining lacks a specific grain. Woven interlinings provide firmness and support to garments without adding excessive weight, making them ideal for structured clothing like suits and jackets. They adapt well to body shapes and offer an elegant finish that enhances the overall aesthetic of the garment. This unique production method of non-woven interlining contributes to its affordability, ease of use, and adaptability in both apparel and home textile manufacturing.

Types of Interlining

There are several types of interlining, including woven interlining, non-woven interlining, fusible interlining, and non-fusible interlining. Woven interlining is made from interwoven yarns, creating a solid and strong structure, while non-woven interlining is manufactured by bonding fibers together using heat, adhesives, or mechanical processes. Fusible interlining features a heat-activated adhesive backing that bonds to the fabric with pressure and heat, whereas non-fusible interlining requires stitching to secure it to the fabric. The choice of interlining type depends on the specific project, fabric characteristics, and desired outcome.

Characteristics of Non-Woven Interlining

Non-woven interlining is a popular choice in the textile industry due to its versatility, durability, and ease of use. It is made from a combination of fibers, such as polyester, cotton, and nylon, which are bonded together using various methods. Non-woven interlining is available in different weights, thicknesses, and textures, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from delicate fabrics to heavy-duty garments.

Fiber Content and Weight

The fiber content and weight of non-woven interlining play a crucial role in determining its properties and performance. The fiber content can affect the interlining’s strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear, while the weight can impact its stability, structure, and drape. Non-woven interlining can be made from a variety of fibers, including polyester, cotton, and nylon, and can range in weight from lightweight to heavy-duty.

Adhesive Properties and Paste Point

The adhesive properties of fusible interlining are critical in determining its performance and durability. The paste point, which refers to the temperature at which the adhesive becomes active, is a key factor in the fusing process. The adhesive properties can affect the interlining’s ability to bond with the fabric, its resistance to dry cleaning, and its recovery properties. A good understanding of the adhesive properties and paste point is essential in selecting the appropriate interlining for a specific project and ensuring a successful fusing process.

Key Benefits of Non-Woven Interlining

Non-woven interlining is favored for a variety of reasons. It can provide stability to fabrics, reducing creases, improving drape, and maintaining the structure of garments. Here are the key benefits that set it apart from other options:

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Non-woven interlining is generally more affordable than woven interlining, making it an economical choice for manufacturers focused on reducing production costs. Its efficient manufacturing process and lower material costs help drive its competitive pricing, making it particularly ideal for large-scale production.

2. Versatility

One of the most significant advantages of non-woven interlining is its versatility in clothing. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, from shirts, blouses, jackets, and dresses in the garment industry to curtains, tablecloths, and upholstery in home textiles. The adaptability of non-woven interlining allows manufacturers to use it across numerous product lines, simplifying inventory management.

3. Ease of Use

Non-woven interlining doesn’t fray, which is a major advantage during the cutting and sewing process. Its non-fraying nature simplifies handling, reduces waste, and speeds up production cycles. Additionally, since it doesn’t have a grain, manufacturers can cut it in any direction, optimizing material usage.

4. Stability and Shape Retention

Non-woven interlining provides excellent stability, shape retention, and support to the outer cloth. By reinforcing fabrics, it enhances the durability and quality of the final product. For garments, this ensures they maintain their shape over time, while for home textiles, it strengthens items like curtains and upholstery for long-term use.

5. Lightweight Structure

Despite its ability to add structure and support, non-woven interlining is incredibly lightweight. This feature is particularly valuable for garments, as it maintains comfort and allows for natural drape without adding bulk. For home textiles, lightweight interlining ensures ease of handling and installation.

Non-Woven vs Woven Interlining

To better understand the advantages of non-woven interlining, it helps to compare it with woven interlining. Interlinings play a crucial role in enhancing the structure and finish of garments in the fashion industry. Both woven and non-woven interlinings are used to provide shape, stability, and strength to various clothing elements, each with its unique characteristics and applications:

When to Choose Each Type

• Non-Woven Interlining is ideal for cost-effective solutions and products requiring easy handling, such as blouses, dresses, and curtains.

• Woven Interlining is better suited for tailored garments where flexibility and a premium finish are priorities, such as suits and coats.

Applications of Non-Woven Interlining

Non-woven interlining has a broad range of uses in manufacturing, proving its value across different industries, including applications in knit fabrics.

1. Apparel

• Shirts, Blouses, and Skirts: Adds structure to collars, cuffs, and hems, providing stability while allowing flexibility in lighter fabrics.

• Jackets and Dresses: Enhances shape while maintaining a lightweight feel.

2. Home Textiles

• Curtains: Provides stability and improves drape.

• Tablecloths and Upholstery: Adds strength to fabrics that undergo frequent use.

Its adaptability makes non-woven interlining a go-to choice for manufacturers aiming to produce diverse product lines with consistent quality.

Fusible vs Sew-In Non-Woven Interlining

Non-woven interlining is available in two main types: fusible and sew-in. Each has its unique benefits and areas of application, largely determined by the application method. The application method for fusible interlining involves using heat to bond it to the fabric, which can enhance the functionality and efficiency of the interlining in garment construction. In contrast, sew-in interlining is stitched into place, offering different advantages in terms of professional finishes and ease of use during the sewing process.

Fusible Non-Woven Interlining

Fusible interlining has a thermally activated adhesive on one side, which bonds to the fabric when heat and pressure are applied to fuse the materials together.

Pros:

• Faster and easier application.

• Reduces sewing time.

Cons:

• Not suitable for heat-sensitive fabrics.

Sew-In Non-Woven Interlining

Sew-in interlining is stitched to the fabric rather than bonded with heat.

Pros:

• Suitable for delicate or heat-sensitive materials.

• Offers more flexibility in adjustment.

Cons:

• Requires more time and effort during production.

Maximize Quality with Non-Woven Interlining

Non-woven interlining offers a cost-effective and versatile solution for garment and home textile manufacturers. Its ease of use, stability, and lightweight construction make it a valuable addition to any production process. Whether you’re designing tailored shirts or durable curtains, nonwoven interlining provides the structure and support needed to deliver high-quality results.

If you haven’t yet incorporated nonwoven interlining into your production process, now is the time to explore its potential. Elevate your products while optimizing costs and efficiency for long-term success.