Here are some tips from Kristin at SewMaMaSew! about sewing on oilcloth.
Sewing with Oilcloth
Here’s the deal on sewing with oilcloth.
I LOVE it because I love the punch, punch, punch sound it makes when I’m sewing. Weird, I know. Other people find the whole process frightful. Here is what I’ve learned…
I like to use double-fold bias tape around the edges for things like bibs and aprons. You don’t have to worry about your presser foot touching the oilcloth because it is on the tape. I like the look of an extra wide zigzag stitch on the bias tape (in contrasting thread no less!), but that’s just a matter of taste.
If, however, you are sewing the oilcloth to itself, obviously this won’t work. The trouble arises because the presser foot likes to STICK to the oilcloth. Some solutions I’ve heard about:
· Teflon presser foot
· Roller presser foot
· Tissue paper between presser foot and oilcloth
· Masking tape directly on oilcloth, wherever you’ll be sewing (this sounds like the best option to me, but I haven’t tried it yet.)
In general it is good to use a large needle–size 16 or something made for denim.
Use a long stitch length so you don’t perforate the oilcloth too much and have it tear apart on you. You might, however, decrease the stitch length for curves.
By the way, when you get your oilcloth, it will likely be all folded up and seriously creased. Before you start to work with it, lay it flat in a WARM space. The creases will come right out.
Thanks Kristin for the tips about sewing on oilcloth. You can purchase oilcloth at SewMaMaSew.com –she has quite a good selection all about in the $6.25/yard
range for the 44” wide oilcloth. And check out her other items at her online shop including: cotton chenille, Minkee, select cottons, notions, vintage patterns (see picture at right) and more. Kristin also has a kid's clothing site called Go Goose Go!
If you would like to add your tips about oilcloth or tell us about the experiences you have had with oilcloth please do!
(Photos and graphics courtesy of Oilcloth International and SewMamaSew!)
Sewing with Oilcloth
Here’s the deal on sewing with oilcloth.
I LOVE it because I love the punch, punch, punch sound it makes when I’m sewing. Weird, I know. Other people find the whole process frightful. Here is what I’ve learned…I like to use double-fold bias tape around the edges for things like bibs and aprons. You don’t have to worry about your presser foot touching the oilcloth because it is on the tape. I like the look of an extra wide zigzag stitch on the bias tape (in contrasting thread no less!), but that’s just a matter of taste.
If, however, you are sewing the oilcloth to itself, obviously this won’t work. The trouble arises because the presser foot likes to STICK to the oilcloth. Some solutions I’ve heard about:
· Teflon presser foot
· Roller presser foot
· Tissue paper between presser foot and oilcloth
· Masking tape directly on oilcloth, wherever you’ll be sewing (this sounds like the best option to me, but I haven’t tried it yet.)
In general it is good to use a large needle–size 16 or something made for denim.
Use a long stitch length so you don’t perforate the oilcloth too much and have it tear apart on you. You might, however, decrease the stitch length for curves.
By the way, when you get your oilcloth, it will likely be all folded up and seriously creased. Before you start to work with it, lay it flat in a WARM space. The creases will come right out.
Thanks Kristin for the tips about sewing on oilcloth. You can purchase oilcloth at SewMaMaSew.com –she has quite a good selection all about in the $6.25/yard
range for the 44” wide oilcloth. And check out her other items at her online shop including: cotton chenille, Minkee, select cottons, notions, vintage patterns (see picture at right) and more. Kristin also has a kid's clothing site called Go Goose Go!If you would like to add your tips about oilcloth or tell us about the experiences you have had with oilcloth please do!
(Photos and graphics courtesy of Oilcloth International and SewMamaSew!)
comments
I have been using oilcloth for a few years now for aprons, tote bags and small zipper bags. It seems like I need a gift for a bday party at least once a week (I have 3 girls) and a tote bag with a book or a pair of flip flops is the perfect gift. I love using faux fur or denim with it for a contrast. I hit mine with a warm iron when I can't get the folds out. You can see my the small bag on my blog or at my Etsy shop! Thanks for the info, love QtBuzzz!
Posted by: Lara | May 7, 2006 8:49 AM