Sewing with Oilcloth Tip: Sticking Together

You've probably noticed that oilcloth and laminated cotton are pretty sticky but that's not always a bad thing. Use the stick to your advantage.  When you cut two pieces from the same pattern piece place the right sides of the fabric together and the two pieces of oilcloth will naturally stick together.

This is really handy when your using a rotary cutter, mat and ruler to cut out a project. You'll need to do a lot less pinning!

Here are some tips to get you through that sticky business while sewing.

Sewing with Oilcloth Tips: Tracing Patterns

Ever wonder how to mark your pattern pieces onto oilcloth? The regular methods such as pinning and spiky tracing wheels just won't do, they would leave your project full of holes before you even started your project. Never fear, here are two methods that work well.

For this first method, just raid your sewing supplies and pull out a point turner and tracing paper. The sharp edge of the point turner is great for making small details. See how I made an X to mark the snap placement on my Sewing with Oilcloth Garden Apron pattern?

The second method is great for stitch lines and darts, just use a flat or smooth edged tracing wheel and your tracing paper. This handy tool can be found in the notions section at any large fabric shop. I think it's better to use this method if your using tissue paper patterns, I worry that the point turner would rip your pattern.

When it comes to buying tracing paper, might I suggest that you don't buy the double-sided paper. Oops! Luckily the markings came off of my oilcloth with a little rubbing.

Oilcloth: Orange Mums!!

Curing Chalk Cloth

For best results you need to prep your chalk cloth before use. To cure your new chalk cloth simply lay a piece of chalk on its side on the chalk cloth surface, and rub all over, side to side and then wipe clean. Now, do this one more time rubbing your chalk up and down. Wipe it clean one last time and the chalk cloth is now ready for use. Grab some chalk and have a blast!