innerfacing

Innerfacing is a garment-making term referring to a fabric piece applied to the interior edge of a garment to finish and shape that edge. It serves as a structural and aesthetic component, helping edges lie flat, maintain form, and provide a clean interior appearance. Inner facings can be made from the same fabric as the garment (self-fabric facing) or from a separate lining fabric, and they may incorporate additional stabilization such as fusible interfacings.

The concept is related to but distinct from interfacing. Interfacing is a separate material, often fusible or sew-in, that adds stiffness or support to a fabric. Inner facing refers specifically to the piece that forms the edge finish on the inside, while interfacing may be attached behind that edge or elsewhere to reinforce structure. A garment may use both a facing and interfacing together, or rely on a lining for interior finish.

Construction and technique involve cutting the facing to match the edge shape of the garment, with seam allowances allowed for attachment to the wrong side. The facing is joined along the edge, trimmed or graded, turned to the inside, and often understitching is used to keep it from rolling to the outside. Depending on fabric and design, the facing may be fused, sew-in, or a combination, and it can be used on necklines, armholes, center fronts, hems, and other edges.

Common applications include necklines and fronts on blouses and jackets, edge finishes on skirts and dresses, and any finished interior edge where a neat, stable interior appearance is desired.