How to sew vinyl – tips for sewing vinyl
Today I’m sharing my top tips for sewing vinyl. Vinyl can be a tricky fabric to sew, but use these tips and it should be smooth sailing. Check out the video below or on YouTube here to see how to sew vinyl.
How to Sew Vinyl
- Cut with a rotary cutter
- Use tissue paper to sew without sticking
- Don’t pin, use clips
- Use a longer stitch length
- I generally use the same needles and thread I use for 80% of my projects – universal size 80/12 needle with all purpose thread. If you’re getting skipped stitches try a micro sharp needle
Use a rotary cutter – this is particularly important if you’re not going to sew something to the vinyl – if the edge is going to be exposed, you want it to be a smooth edge.
Incidentally, if your vinyl is not laying flat, hovering your iron over it can help you flatten it. DON’T touch the vinyl with the iron, you could melt it. But if you heat it, it will be easier to flatten.
Use tissue paper to sew without sticking. When sewing vinyl you may find your machine has trouble feeding it, on either the presser foot side or the feed dog side (or both!). If you find this happening to you, put tissue paper between the vinyl and the side that is having trouble. The tissue paper will easily tear off when you’re done stitching.
Don’t pin vinyl. Use wonder clips, paper clips, or even transparent tape to hold things in place for stitching.
Pins will leave permanent holes. On the same note, use a long stitch length to sew vinyl. This means less holes in the vinyl and less chances of tearing at a needle hole.
Now that you know how to handle vinyl, here are some projects you might want to try – click on any image to go to the tutorial.
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Flora
I put a piece of clear tape underneath my presser foot and the vinyl is a lot easier to sew.
Stacia
Your sewing tips are always so clear and educational! I look forward to each and every time you post them. Thank you!
KChu
I really hope these work! Next time I’m trying them, especially the tissue paper one. I have tried clear tape on the presser foot as one comment mentioned and it did nothing for me. Thank you for the tips!
KChu
Update: I used your tips and I love sewing vinyl now!!!! Using the tissue paper made all the difference. No more sticking and the tape worked wonders. Thank you soooo much! You have made sewing vinyl such a pleasure and will be sewing more with it. Can’t thank you enough!!!
Chantal
Hi,
Do you need a special needle to sew plastic?
Thanks
Melissa Mora
Nope. I just use my universal needle. If you’re having trouble with it you can switch to a sharps needle.
Kim
Awesome tips! Thanks for sharing your secrets. 🙂
Jenifer Nakatsu Arntson
I use blue masking tape and binderclips, and am a big fanof Collins’ Sewer’s Aid lubricant, keeps grab to a minimum.
Becky
I have had good luck with my walking foot or also a roller foot.
katy
thank you for the great tips
Daisy Copeland
THANK YOU I WILL TRY THE WALKING FOOT OR ROLLER FOOT AND I WILL LET YOU KNOW IF IT WORK OR NOT , LOVE THE IDEA.
Daisy Copeland
Hi Becky you are a saver of my bag, thank you and that tip works just fine th, i l;ovee idea it is just wonderful i have a walking foot and roller foot but i never use them. Now i will.
Katie
I bought a plastic non stick presser foot for two bucks and it works like a charm!
Chris
I am so glad I found these tips! I never thought about stitch length.
Theresa Freeman
Thanks for the tips! I love the idea of making storage buckets out of it. Never would have thought of it, but will definitely try that one
Lucia Durward
A Teflon coated foot designed for use with leather also works well!
Margaret
Hi, Hair dryers also help to get wrinkles out of vinyl.
Ticka
I second the Teflon presser foot! One was found on eBay for $1 as a trial foot. It is a keeper and sanity saver.
Nena
I use washi tape or painters blue tape on the underside of my universal foot. Any low adhesive tape will do. Beware of buying the off-brand teflon/glider feet if you have a Janome. They are off by a few millimeters and can destroy your feed-dogs.