How to Sew with Oilcloth

Oilcloth - Fear_No_Fabric_Oilcloth_01_Banner_Beauty_Shot_BERNINA_WeAllSew_Blog_1200x900px

Looking for a fabric that is water-resistant or easy to wipe clean? There are lots of “vinyl” options, including PVC fabric, laminated fabric, synthetic leather, and chalkcloth vinyl. If you do an online search, you can get lost in the many available options. One option I like is oilcloth — a printed cotton fabric with a clear PVC coating on one side that is easy to wipe clean. Let’s learn how simple it is to sew with oilcloth when using a few BERNINA tips and tools.

Oilcloth Fear_No_Fabric_Oilcloth_02__notebook_cover_BERNINA_WeAllSew_Blog_1200x800px

Fabric Characteristics of Oilcloth:

  • Does not fray
  • No grainline
  • Tears easily under stress
  • Damaged by heat or sun
  • Can crease permanently
  • Often waterproof or water-resistant

Care and Use of Oilcloth:

  • Avoid harsh cleaning products
  • Use water and/or mild detergent to clean
  • Wipe down with a soft cloth
  • Dry vinyl before sewing or storing
  • Great for bibs, art smocks, placemats, zipper pouches and anything you want to easily wipe clean

Note: If you are making something that might end up in a baby’s mouth, such as bibs, search for oilcloth that states phthalate-free. Most are safe now, but it’s always a good idea to double-check.

Recommended BERNINA Presser Feet for Sewing Oilcloth

BERNINA offers several presser feet designed for sewing over “sticky” materials. These non-stick presser feet are identical to their counterparts, except for the coating on the sole. This special coating allows the foot to glide easily over “sticky” material.

Fear_No_Fabric_Oilcloth_03_feet_BERNINA_WeAllSew_Blog_1200x800px

Fear_No_Fabric_Oilcloth_04_more_feet_BERNINA_WeAllSew_Blog_1200x800px

Tips for Sewing on Oilcloth

Oilcloth - Fear_No_Fabric_Oilcloth_05_sewing_on_oilcloth_BERNINA_WeAllSew_Blog_1200x800px

  1. Avoid creating permanent pinholes by using Clover Wonder Clips to hold layers together.

Oilcloth Fear_No_Fabric_Oilcloth_06_Wonder_Clips_BERNINA_WeAllSew_Blog_1200x800px

  • To avoid damaging the material, use a seam roller for pressing a seam—try Clover Roll and Press. If you need to iron, use a press cloth and a low temp setting.

Fear_No_Fabric_Oilcloth_07_seam_roller_BERNINA_WeAllSew_Blog_1200x800px

  1. Use a needle with a sharp point like a Schmetz Microtex needle—size 80/12 will work well for most standard threads. Topstitch needles can help to prevent skipped stitches.

Fear_No_Fabric_Oilcloth_08_Needles_BERNINA_WeAllSew_Blog_1200x800px

  1. Increase your stitch length when sewing vinyl to keep from perforating the material. A length of 3 to 3.5 mm will work nicely.

Oilcloth Fear_No_Fabric_Oilcloth_09_simulator_stitch_length_BERNINA_WeAllSew_Blog_1200x800px

  1. You may need to reduce your presser foot pressure to glide over sticky material with ease.

Fear_No_Fabric_Oilcloth_10__simulator_presser_foot_pressure_BERNINA_WeAllSew_Blog_1200x800px

There are so many beautiful and fun prints in Oilcloth available today. I have many on my wish list for future projects, including outdoor placemats for this summer! Below are a couple of links to oilcloth projects on BERNINA’s creative sewing blog, WeAllSew.com. Have fun and enjoy!

Oilcloth Projects

Fear No Fabric

Print this page

What you might also like

2 comments on “How to Sew with Oilcloth”

Leave a Reply