Q and A: Oilcloth vs. Flannel Backed Vinyl

Q:  How would you compare Oilcloth vs. Flannel Backed Vinyl to each other? Whats different?

A: Night and day!

They are both vinyl, but that's where the comparison stops.

The back of oilcloth is impregnated with a cotton mess or scrim, this gives oilcloth it's edge over the flannel backed vinyl. The scrim gives oilcloth strength, because of it oilcloth can hold a stitch where the other can not. Trust me I tried making totes out of some cheap talbelcoths that I bought on clearance and they ripped right away. It was a total waist of 75 cents!

Flannel backed vinyl is very thin and quick to tear, I have oilcloth tablecloths that I have been using at shows for nearly 6 years and they have held up and look great.

Oilcloth is much better product overall. My mother-in-law used to buy a new flannel backed tablecloths from a big box store four times a year. This killed me, so for mothers day one year I made her an oilcloth tablecloth. That was about 4 years ago, so I figure that my gift has saved her (and the landfill) 16 cheap tablecloths.


Check out what is oilcloth and how to care for it for more info on oilcloth!!

Hope this helps,
Kelly

Q and A: The wrong side of laminated cotton

This super cute fabric will be arriving in March, but I got a hold of some to play with early!! Stay tuned!!

Q: What does the backside of the laminate cotton look like and just to verify, it is food safe?

A The back side of laminated cotton is just cotton fabric. Unfortunately, the fabric manufacturers have not had their fabric tested for food safety. Here's what I know about food safety and fabric..

Q: Thank you, is the back side printed or solid white?

A: Laminated cotton is a two process fabric. First the design is printed onto cotton, just like a quilting cotton would be. Then the printed fabric is laminated with a thin coating of polyurethane.

I have attached a photo with the wrong side of a fabric that will becoming out next month. You can clearly see the monkey's on the back side.

Thanks for asking, I hope this helps,
Kelly

Q and A: Laminated Cotton Dog Mat?

Q: I am wondering if laminated cotton would do well for a dog bed? My daschund recently was diagnosed with Diabetes and is peeing all the time, even on his bed.

I am hoping I can use this material in a pretty pattern and sew up a cover for his bedding.

Thank you!

A:  I have so been there, but with a cat!!! It's so hard on both of you, isn't it? We did the same thing for our Willow Kitty and it helped a lot with clean up, you can just whip it clean. I can't guarantee that it won't hold the scent but it's better the the alternative.



Laminated cotton is BPA and PVC free and waterproof so this is a great fabric for families and pets.

If you make a cover and put in a zipper or snaps you can throw it in the washer. Washing changes the fabric a bit but it's not going to hurt it.  This way you could removed it if once it's beyond whipping clean.

All my best,
Kelly

Great Question: Party Tablecloths?

Q: Are you able to use these (oilcloth yardage) as table cloths for a party?

A: Yes!! Oilcloth is perfect for parties. The best thing is that you don't have to hem oilcloth, it doesn't fray. Quick, easy, and fun!! You can get fancy with a pair of pinking shears to use my Chalk Cloth Runner pattern to create a scalloped edge.

This pattern is from my book, Sewing with Oilcloth. You can download it for free from Amazon!! It's found under the SEE MORE button.

Q & A: Is laminated cotton a good choice for snack bags?

Q: Can you use the laminated cotton for reusable snack bags?

A: Laminated cottons are waterproof and easy to clean so it's a great choice for snack bags. According to the test results that I received from Westminster Fibers, Inc ALL of the laminated cottons that I carry have been tested and proved to be be BPA and PVC free. These are the chemicals that we don't want leaching in to our sandwiches. Which is why I don't recommend using oilcloth for projects that store food. While many people feel comfortable with knowing that the fabric is PVC and BPA-free every person has to make the decision that's right for them.

Laminated cotton has a thin layer of polyurethane on the right side of the fabric only so you will want to line your snack bags with another layer of laminated cotton. I recommend leaving the lining loose so you can slid it out and clean it thoroughly. I also recommend hand washing any laminated cotton project, as water gets trapped between the layers of laminated cotton and has a really hard time drying out properly. We now sell laminated cotton in Fat Quarters, it's the perfect size for snack bags!

My upcoming book, Sewing with Oilcloth, has a pattern for a really great snack bag and another for a sandwich wrap. Head over to Amazon and pre-order you copy today!!! (Yes, that is my first shameless plug. I am sure there will be many more to come!)

UPDATE:  I contacted Westminster Fibers, INC to see if they had run this fabric through testing to see if it was "food safe" and they haven't tested it and don't have plans to. So I can't say for sure that it is or isn't food safe.

I can say that it is PVC and BPA free. From what I have read this is good indication, but of course I am NOT a scientist and I don't even play on TV.  ; )

As with all the big questions in life we have to educate ourselves and do what's right for us and our families.

Hope this helps. I really wish I could give a concrete answer. I really do. : ) I'll keep asking the hard questions to these company and hopefully someday we'll get an answer.

Happy sewing,
Kelly

Q & A: Laminated Cotton as table cloth

Q:  I think this would be an amazing craft service tablecloth! I was wondering what the edges look like on the sides (of the laminated cotton). Are they finished?

A:  Your right, laminated cotton would be a great craft service tablecloth. It cleans up well, it's waterproof, it's wider than oilcloth (54"/55") and every single print is to die for!! Laminated cotton has selvedge edges just like a regular cotton fabric, but if you just cut it off with a regular pair of scissors (pinking shears would be great too) you'd be set.

Use a ruler and a pencil to create straight lines and square corners and then cut out your pretty new tablecloth. Laminated Cotton doesn't fray or curl up on the ends so you really don't need to hem or trim it. It's great if your in a rush or not sewing-inclined.

On another note: Like the new print? It's from Jennifer Pagenellie's (AKA Sis Boom) Honey Child fabric line. It's really dreamy. We'll be receiving this and two more coordinates in just a few days time!! I love me some pretty new laminated cotton, don't you?

Q & A: Oilcloth as a BBQ Cover

Question: I have been toying with using oilcloth for a BBQ cover in the winter. Are you aware of pros/cons? How does oilcloth differ from a tarp or vinyl in this regard?

Answer:  I use an oilcloth cover, and I must say it didn't look pretty for long! I made it in the summer of '09. As you can see in the picture, I used the cherry print on white. Over the first winter it became moldy and faded. I can, and have, scrubbed it clean but it's still a faded mess. On a positive note, it's still weather proof, which is why I am still using it.

I've been toying with the idea of using a sunbrella fabric, flat lined with a thin clear vinyl. That way I get a fun print and it'll still be waterproof.

Let me know what you decide to do!

Kelly