For those who are not aware, oilcloth is a widely used fabric that possesses quite a unique characteristic as well. Unlike any other fabrics or materials, this one is quite resistant to water. This often makes sewing with this material a pleasant activity to carry out. Another interesting thing about oilcloth fabric is that it is often used to make such things as lunch bags, baby bibs and placemats, among other things, especially those that may often be exposed to water or liquid of some sorts. However, due to the unique nature of this particular fabric, it may not be that easy to sew with it. With that being said, it may prove to be quite a wise idea to pay attention to some instructions on how to possibly sew things using the material in question. Moreover, this fabric has received some upgrades in its manufacturing process.
These days, to make such a fabric, people tend to use a vinyl material that comes with mesh cotton for its foundation. Unfortunately, the vinyl used here often proves to be pretty sticky. As a matter of fact, this is what helps the fabric to become resistant to water. As a result, it becomes rather difficult for most people to glide this fabric in particular through a sewing machine. Yet, it is the vinyl that becomes the place on which design will be printed. This is completely unlike the old days where people would simply use several layers of what was known as the linseed oil on top of a canvas cloth. Fortunately, as long as people follow the instructions available, it will not be that hard, either, to sew using the material. So, here is how to sew with oil cloth.
First of all, prior to starting sewing with the fabric in question, it is utterly important that people get rid of the visible wrinkles on the fabric. To do that, they simply have to lay the fabric flat out. To help them with this task, people can also expose the fabric under direct sunlight. For an alternative, people can try ironing the other side of the fabric as well, making sure at first that the ion is on low level setting.
These days, to make such a fabric, people tend to use a vinyl material that comes with mesh cotton for its foundation. Unfortunately, the vinyl used here often proves to be pretty sticky. As a matter of fact, this is what helps the fabric to become resistant to water. As a result, it becomes rather difficult for most people to glide this fabric in particular through a sewing machine. Yet, it is the vinyl that becomes the place on which design will be printed. This is completely unlike the old days where people would simply use several layers of what was known as the linseed oil on top of a canvas cloth. Fortunately, as long as people follow the instructions available, it will not be that hard, either, to sew using the material. So, here is how to sew with oil cloth.
First of all, prior to starting sewing with the fabric in question, it is utterly important that people get rid of the visible wrinkles on the fabric. To do that, they simply have to lay the fabric flat out. To help them with this task, people can also expose the fabric under direct sunlight. For an alternative, people can try ironing the other side of the fabric as well, making sure at first that the ion is on low level setting.
When they are done with that, the next thing that people have to do is to take a size 16 needle, which is often known as denim needle as well. Then, they should pair this needle with cotton or poly thread. While using this needle, it is important for people to keep in mind that they should angle the needle at the bottom and then pierce it through the fabric. Now, one thing that may come to mind is why it is recommended to use the size 16 or denim needle. Well, the reason here is because the regular needle does not really have what it takes to do the job. There are two reasons for this. First, the regular needle tends to be considerably smooth, even down to its tip. The second reason is that the regular needle is not as strong as the denim needle.
Sometimes, when sewing with oilcloth, people tend to accidentally make holes in the fabric. With that being said, it is preferable if people try to make use of a stitch that is rather long. After all, they can always shorten the stitch later on, such as when they are trying to handle the curves or corners of the fabric. If they ignore this, they will end up ruining the entire material. Oilcloth is not a fabric that can easily be stitched over and over again. Whereas back stitching can often be an option with other types of fabric, it is not the case with this particular fabric. Yet, if their stitches are long enough, it will be much easier for people to tie up the tails of their threads into knots and lock them into the appropriate place. When this is done, however, it is of utmost importance to keep in mind that the fabric is no longer water resistant. There are now holes in it. Nonetheless, this does not necessarily mean that there is nothing people can do. Instead, they can always try to block those holes by making use of some sealants of sorts.
The next thing that is also very important to keep in mind while sewing with this material is that people should let their foot, the one that presses on the machine they are using to sew, press smoothly. To make this possible, people should try sewing the oilcloth on its reverse side. Then, when they finally have to sew the fabric on its proper side, they had better put some sorts of masking tape or tissue sheets in advance. The purpose of this is to make it easier for the fabric to move along while being sewn.
Then, one last, yet not least, thing that people will have to do here is to take some decorative scissors or shears and cut down the remaining edges of the oilcloth fabric. For those who wonder, there is nothing to worry about here since there is very little probability that the edges will fray. Or, for those who do not really fancy the idea of cutting down those edges by means of the decorative scissors or shears, there is another method available as well. It is to finish the edges just as they would other fabric instead of disposing them.
Now that people understand how to sew properly with the oilcloth fabric, there is no longer any reason to feel afraid or worried to deal with such a water resistant material. The key is simply to be gentle, use the right selections of tools and make sure that the fabric remains water resistant, such as by blocking its holes as described above. With proper steps, now everyone can make their very own accessories using this very unique fabric. It is also quite a good thing that there are numerous instructions regarding sewing with this material on the internet.
If you want to buy quality fabric for any of your projects then I reccommend buying your oilcloth from the Simply Tablecloths website. Although they specifically sell tablecloths; the oilcloth they use is the perfect for sewing.
The next thing that is also very important to keep in mind while sewing with this material is that people should let their foot, the one that presses on the machine they are using to sew, press smoothly. To make this possible, people should try sewing the oilcloth on its reverse side. Then, when they finally have to sew the fabric on its proper side, they had better put some sorts of masking tape or tissue sheets in advance. The purpose of this is to make it easier for the fabric to move along while being sewn.
Then, one last, yet not least, thing that people will have to do here is to take some decorative scissors or shears and cut down the remaining edges of the oilcloth fabric. For those who wonder, there is nothing to worry about here since there is very little probability that the edges will fray. Or, for those who do not really fancy the idea of cutting down those edges by means of the decorative scissors or shears, there is another method available as well. It is to finish the edges just as they would other fabric instead of disposing them.
Now that people understand how to sew properly with the oilcloth fabric, there is no longer any reason to feel afraid or worried to deal with such a water resistant material. The key is simply to be gentle, use the right selections of tools and make sure that the fabric remains water resistant, such as by blocking its holes as described above. With proper steps, now everyone can make their very own accessories using this very unique fabric. It is also quite a good thing that there are numerous instructions regarding sewing with this material on the internet.
If you want to buy quality fabric for any of your projects then I reccommend buying your oilcloth from the Simply Tablecloths website. Although they specifically sell tablecloths; the oilcloth they use is the perfect for sewing.
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