Laminating your fabric

There are many laminated fabrics and oilcloths available from retailers but you can also laminate your own with a clear iron on vinyl. After a long absence, this Heat N Bond Vinyl product has now been re-stocked in the online store. Today, I thought I would quickly run through how easy it is to use.
I precut the fabric I was wanting to cover (in this instance a bib) and ironed all creases from it. Then cut a piece of vinyl from the roll to cover the fabric you wish to cover.
  • Peel the backing from the vinyl and place over the fabric. It is slightly tacky but easy enough to move around. Starting at one edge, use your hand to flatten the vinyl over the fabric removing any air bubbles.
  • Cut around the fabric outline before bonding it with the iron or the vinyl will also stick to your ironing board.
  • Using the vinyl backing paper, place it over the fabric and iron with a medium dry heat (no steam) until it is fused.
Here's some other tips.
  • The image above shows how I have not taken care to make sure all threads were not under the vinyl before bonding.
  • When sewing with the vinyl, using a walking foot or Teflon foot will make it easier. It is not as thick as an oilcloth or commercial laminated fabric so it is a little easier to sew with.
  • You can also cover the back side of fabric also - however in this case I will be adding a fabric backing to the bib.
  • It can be washed (instructions say to hand wash) - but no tumble drying. You can wipe down with a damp cloth.
  • When ironing make sure you always use protective paper or a piece of smooth fabric.
  • Use this vinyl on aprons, nappy, beach or cosmetic bags, homewares or books.
Edited & updated 1st August, 2011:
This information is taken from the Therm O Web website.

  Due to the recent Consumer Product Safety Act of 2009 regarding the exposure of children to plastics, Therm O Web tested our Iron-On Vinyl product for full compatibility with new government regulations. Our testing found that Iron-On Vinyl contains no BPA or lead content. However, Iron-On Vinyl does utilize a plasticizer, DIDP, and even though this Phthalate is not banned by the government, as a precaution we would suggest that Iron-On Vinyl not be used on items that are meant to be chewed on or sucked on by children.


A new tutorial has been added to The Haby Goddess blog using this Iron on Vinyl product.
Make a cute cosmetic purse from a doily that has been covered in vinyl.

    11 comments:

    Felicity said...

    This is brilliant and a great addition to any home with children little or big.

    Felicity

    Nadine said...

    This is perfect for a couple of little projects that I have in mind, thanks. :)

    Alison said...

    Wow, I love this

    Unknown said...

    I squeeeed, I did. I had no idea you could get iron-on vinyl. Do you sell it? I am SO laminating everything in sight!

    Unknown said...

    My brain is SO overcome with excitement for iron-on vinyl that I didnt even notice you said in.the.post that you stock it.

    Unknown said...

    Wow looks so easy I'll give it a go , thanks !

    Exquisite Accessories said...

    Oh I am so glad I found your blog thanks so much for that I am going to give it a go.

    I never new about iron on vinyl Many thanks :)

    Cecily said...

    I didn't know you could do that! That's awesome! Thanks for the great tutorial!

    HorseKrazee said...

    This is fabulous. Just what I have been looking for. Thanks!!!

    Darla said...

    Thanks for this...I've been wanting to make laundry soap bags and want a laminated inside. Saw your tutorial and remembered that I have this product in my sewing room already.

    LubbyGirl said...

    Just found this through sew-what's-new.com. Great idea, and now I'll need to find this product. I sure hope it's at the local fabric stores.