Maya Ellison
Sewing plastic-coated fabric can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a fun project. Plastic-coated fabrics, such as PVC and vinyl, have unique properties that require specific handling. In this guide, we will explore the best practices for sewing plastic-coated fabric, including choosing the right needles, presser feet, and sewing techniques to ensure a successful and enjoyable sewing experience. We will also discuss the unique characteristics of plastic-coated fabrics, such as their sticky and delicate nature. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to tackle sewing projects using plastic-coated fabrics.
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What You'll Learn
Use a Teflon or roller foot
When sewing plastic-coated fabric, it is important to use the proper tools and adjust your machine to the correct settings. One of the challenges of sewing plastic-coated fabric is that the plastic coating can get stuck under the presser foot, leading to tangled stitches and damaged fabric. To prevent this issue, it is recommended to use a Teflon or roller foot.
The Teflon foot, also known as a non-stick foot, is designed to glide smoothly over plastic-coated fabrics without sticking. It has a coated backing that prevents the fabric from tugging against the foot, allowing it to move easily through the machine. This makes it ideal for sewing projects with plastic-coated fabrics such as handbag handles, rain gear, or children's clothing.
The roller foot is another useful attachment for sewing plastic-coated fabric. It is designed for fabrics that are difficult to feed through the machine. The roller foot moves the fabric forward with little rollers while also pressing the seam as you sew, giving you more control compared to a standard foot. Additionally, it leaves no harsh marks on delicate fabrics.
When using a Teflon or roller foot, it is important to test the foot on a small scrap of fabric first to ensure it works well with your specific fabric. You may also need to adjust the settings on your sewing machine, such as using a longer stitch length and heavier weight thread to reduce fabric tearing and increase seam strength.
By using the appropriate tools and settings, sewing plastic-coated fabric can become a more manageable task, allowing you to create beautiful and functional projects with ease.
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Avoid pins and backstitching
When sewing plastic-coated fabric, it is important to avoid using pins and backstitching. Here are some tips to help you with this:
Firstly, instead of using pins, which will leave permanent holes in your fabric, use sewing clips like Clover Wonder Clips or paper clips to hold the layers of fabric together as you sew. These clips have the strength to hold the plastic-coated fabric in place without causing any damage.
Secondly, avoid backstitching as it weakens the fabric by creating unnecessary holes. Instead, secure your seams by leaving long thread tails and tying a knot at the end. This will provide a stronger hold and prevent any tearing or perforation of the fabric.
Additionally, when working with plastic-coated fabric, it is important to use the appropriate tools and settings on your sewing machine. Use a Teflon or roller foot to prevent the fabric from sticking to your machine and adjust your stitch length to a longer setting to prevent perforation. A small needle with long stitches is also recommended.
Before sewing, prepare your fabric by removing any creases or storage marks. Plastic-coated fabric can be sensitive to heat, so be cautious when applying heat to avoid accidentally melting the material. Instead of using an iron, finger-press or use a rubber mallet to flatten seams.
By following these instructions, you can successfully sew plastic-coated fabric without the need for pins or backstitching. Remember to always test on a scrap piece of fabric first and take your time with each project.
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Mark with chalk
Marking your fabric is an important step in sewing, as it allows you to work neatly and precisely. There are several options for marking plastic-coated fabric with chalk.
Firstly, tailor's chalk, or marking chalk, is a widely available and classic fabric marker. It is made entirely of clay-based chalk and comes in the form of a crayon. While tailor's chalk is inexpensive and effective, it can be fragile and may need to be sharpened to create thin lines. It is most commonly found in white, but it is now available in a variety of colours. Chalk pens and pencils are also available in different styles and shapes, offering a range of options for marking your fabric. For example, a chalk wheel is a marker with a wheel that distributes the chalk evenly, allowing you to achieve fine, straight, and precise lines.
When choosing a colour for your chalk, consider the colour of the fabric you are working with. For example, white chalk is suitable for darker fabrics, while blue or coloured chalk may be preferable for lighter fabrics.
It is important to note that chalk marks can fade away too easily for certain projects. To prevent this, you can iron over the chalk marks, but be aware that this may also make the marks permanent. If the marks are still visible after sewing, you can try dabbing them with a clean sponge or cloth and cold water to remove them.
Overall, chalk is a safe and gentle product for fabrics, creating smooth lines on different types of fabric. It is a temporary marker that can be easily removed by rubbing or sewing over the marks.
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Use clips instead of pins
When working with plastic-coated fabric, it is recommended to use clips instead of pins. Sewing clips are easy to use and can easily slide under the edge of the fabric to hold it in position without distorting the fabric. They are perfect for binding and bag-making. The clips can hold multiple layers of fabric, especially thicker fabrics, without leaving holes. They are also useful when working with silk, leather, vinyl, and other fabrics where pinholes are undesirable.
There are different types of sewing clips available, such as quilting clips, which are great for bulk and long, straight lines. Clover clips are easy to open, while the knock-off versions are stiff. Sewing clips are also safer than pins as they don't bend and won't stab you.
However, sewing clips have some disadvantages. They are bulkier than pins and can weigh down or stretch the fabric as it feeds into the sewing machine. The clips must be removed before the fabric goes under the presser foot, which can cause the fabric to shift. Additionally, sewing clips cannot be placed as accurately as pins, especially when lining up dart lines or other pattern markings.
It is recommended to have both sewing clips and pins in your sewing supplies and use them depending on the specific requirements of your project.
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Cover the bed with tissue paper
Covering the bed of your sewing machine with tissue paper is a recommended step when sewing plastic-coated fabrics like vinyl. This is because vinyl can be sticky and will stick to itself, your machine foot, or the machine bed. This can cause tangled stitches and mangled seams.
To avoid this, you can cover the bed with taped-down tissue paper. You can also use parchment paper or plastic sheets that adhere to the bed of the machine. This will help to prevent the vinyl from sticking and make it easier to sew.
Another option is to use a roller foot or a Teflon foot with your sewing machine. A roller foot has little rollers that move the fabric forward and press the seam as you sew, giving you more control and leaving no harsh marks on delicate fabrics. A Teflon foot, or non-stick foot, is made of a material that slides better over sticky surfaces like vinyl. If you don't have access to these specialty presser feet, you can place a small piece of Scotch Magic Tape on the base of your regular machine foot.
In addition to these techniques, there are several other tips to keep in mind when sewing plastic-coated fabrics like vinyl. Firstly, do not use pins as the holes they create in the fabric are permanent. Instead, use sewing clips or paper clips to hold the fabric in place. Avoid backstitching, as this weakens the fabric. Instead, secure your seams by leaving long thread tails and tying a knot at the end. Marking the fabric can be challenging, so use a chalk marker or chalk instead of a fabric marker. Vinyl does not fray unless it is backed with fabric, so finishing the edges is typically unnecessary. However, you can use leather edge paint or a sealing pen on exposed edges for a more polished look. Finally, do not iron vinyl directly. If you need to press a seam, use a finger presser or seam roller, or sandwich the vinyl between cotton fabric and press with a slightly warm iron.
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Frequently asked questions
A Teflon foot is a non-stick option that can help prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can place a plastic bag or tape underneath the foot.
Yes, you can try using a roller foot, which has rollers that move the fabric forward and press the seam as you sew, providing better control.
Use a chalk marker, as other fabric markers may rub off. For cutting, use domestic scissors or a rotary cutter. Place a pattern piece underneath the fabric for better accuracy.
Avoid backstitching, as it weakens the fabric. Instead, leave long thread tails and tie a knot at the end.
No, avoid using pins as they create permanent holes in the fabric. Use sewing clips or paperclips instead.
