Decovil

What is Decovil I?

Decovil I and Decovil I Light are beige fusible interfacings that I frequently use in my patterns. They are unique non-woven interfacings that do not fray and are tear-resistant. They are fusible on one side and adhere very well. They have a leather-like feel. The magic of the product becomes apparent once applied to the fabric. Initially, the interfacing does not seem very stiff. It has a dense consistency but is soft and flexible. After fusing, it reveals its true nature: your fabric remains flexible but becomes much stiffer. The reason Decovil I and Decovil I Light are in a different league than most other interfacings and stabilizers is the effect they provide after application. Decovil I fuses well and leaves the surface of the fabric smooth. It gives a very professional look without creating wrinkles or creases. Your work remains smooth even when bent.

What is the difference between Decovil, Decovil I, Decovil Light, and Decovil Heavy?

The product is written as Decovil I (a Roman numeral 1). Originally, there was only Decovil I. People sometimes forgot to write that I, but it is part of the name. So, you have Decovil I Light and Decovil I. Decovil I is also referred to as Decovil Heavy.

How does Decovil behave?

Decovil I (also called Decovil Heavy) is much thicker than Decovil Light. Depending on the bag you are making (whether it needs to stand upright or collapse), adding some volume to your fabric is desirable. Stiff and flat interfacings do not look good in bags, nor do thick, puffy interfacings, as they make the bag look more "homemade," which is not the goal. That's why Decovil I is perfect. Decovil is very flexible and bendable compared to "regular" stabilizers (especially those used for bags). If you want a slouchy effect, you should not use Decovil. Decovil I does not deform. No matter how often you bend it, your project remains flat, and your pieces have a smooth surface and a great shape. Especially when using quilting weight fabric, you will benefit from the qualities of Decovil I: it gives your items a truly professional look and feel, just like store-bought bags and wallets.

Usage

Decovil I is excellent for sewing bags and wallets. (It is also very suitable for making hats, belts, and other accessories.) Do not use it on all parts of your bag. Attach it only to the parts of your bag or wallet that define the shape. Use it only for the bottom of small bags if you do not expect super rigid support. There are other—and cheaper—options for the bottom of your bag. The thickness and stiffness are perfect for wallets and flaps in bags. In both cases, you apply the Decovil I after you have turned the bag or wallet right side out. You do not want to turn a bag with Decovil I already attached. Decovil I is easy to stitch through, but it is not intended for that, at least not in your seams. While it is easy to sew through, you cannot fold Decovil perfectly. Therefore, you should always trim the seam allowance of your Decovil I piece before fusing. Sometimes you need to attach the Decovil I after your bag is turned and before you close the turning opening. Always pay close attention to what is described in the instructions for your bag or wallet.

Tips and Tricks

First, fuse a layer of regular woven interfacing to your fabric. On top of that, fuse the Decovil I or Decovil I Light. This is done to prevent wrinkling. When fusing the Decovil, set your iron to the wool setting and hold it in place for at least 8 seconds on each spot. It is better to keep your iron in one spot longer than to increase the temperature. After that, let your fabric with Decovil cool for at least 30 minutes on a flat surface before working with it. The glue in the Decovil needs time to adhere to the fabric, and the 30-minute cooling period will give you a material you can work with perfectly. In any case, make sure you do not have Decovil in your seam allowance. If you do not have separate pattern pieces, cut the seam allowance away and place your piece of Decovil (without seam allowance) in the center of your fabric. The shiny side is the glue side, so it should face the fabric. Double-check that you will not have Decovil in the seam allowance. When sewing, stitch right next to the Decovil, not on it.

Sometimes it's better not to fuse.

Sometimes it is better not to fuse the Decovil to your fabric during the preparation phase. You want to avoid having to turn a bag or wallet with Decovil I attached. Instead, first turn your bag or wallet right side out and then insert the Decovil. Make sure everything lies flat and fits perfectly in your project, then close the seam and fuse the Decovil I. Take the seam allowance and corners into account and cut the Decovil 3mm smaller on all sides than the pieces without seam allowance. Also, round off the corners slightly. This will give you a nicely finished bag or wallet.

Do you need to throw out all your other interfacings?

No. They all have their own strengths. So far, we haven’t found any other interfacing that offers quite the same unique effect as Decovil I does.

Where can you buy Decovil?

We sell both Decovil I Heavy and Decovil I Light—available by the half meter or by the full roll.