OCA sewing tip #2: Presser Foot

When sewing with oilcloth it is as important to have the right presser foot. Oilcloth has tendency to crawl and to not want to stay put, this results in puckers at every pin. Using a roller foot or a teflon foot will help remedy this. When you use one of these handy presser feet you take some of the friction away and have less puckers in your seams.


My roller foot (number 51) is made for the Bernina machine it is a bit costly around $60.00. Suzanne, a Modern June stitcher and future blogger here on OCA, purchased the Bernina Teflon foot, the cost was around 26.00. But don't get upset just yet, I have another stitcher that uses a Kenmore machine and she lucked out, she found a roller foot at Joannes that fits her machine, the cost...$5.00! Now that is a steal!

Suzanne has used both the Bernina feet and likes them equally. She did say that it would be more convenient to use the roller foot because teflon feet are not to touch the feed dogs. She says she would have to think less!

Get creative and make something cool today!

Use what you have!

Use what you have!, originally uploaded by ModernJune.

Use what you have? OK! What I have are scraps of oilcloth--lots and lots of scraps.

The other day I needed a birthday sign for my cute Hubby's birthday, so I grabbed a handful of oilcloth scraps and I cut this sign. I just taped it straight to the wall, but I recommend you use that gummy non-marking stick-up stuff.

While I was making my masterpiece I realized that I had something fun going on! I started thinking about charm packs, the ones that I admire at the quilt shop and I how great it would be to have an oilcloth charm pack. But instead of 5 inch squares, I think that 4x6 inch rectangles will be best for the OILCLOTH ADDICT charm pack (better for letters at least).

When I made mine, I just cut it right out, willy-nilly, cuz I am like that. But, you can print out your saying in your favorite font, trace it onto the back and get cutting. Go to town, the possibilities are endless. Please remember when marking your letters on the wrong side of the oilcloth you need reverse your letters.

So go ahead, get to it... be creative today!

OCA sewing tip #1: Needles

Let's get this party started! OCA sewing tips are here to help you make the best oilcloth project possible!

As in all sewing you have to start with a good needle, the OCA team prefers Schmetz Needles I can find them easily at our local Joanne's fabric store or check out Erica's online sewing shop for them too, she has them for 4.30 a 5 pack.

Now lets talk needle size...for general sewing I use a size 12, I switch to a size 8 needle when I do any top stitching.

check back for more sewing tips from the OILCLOTH ADDICT BLOG!

Now go and check out the oilcloth selection at the OILCLOTH ADDICT store and get sewing sister!

We are on a mission

Mission Statement: OILCLOTH ADDICT is your place to find inspiring ideas for the best fabric ever, OILCLOTH! OCA promises to carry the best oilcloth selection available at competitive prices. Don't see what you are looking for, just ask and we can fulfill that need!

What is Oilcloth and how to care for it? 

Today's Oilcloth is a vinyl that is bonded and supported with a woven cotton mesh. The surface can be wiped clean.

Oilcloth is waterproof and stain resistant. Fading may occur under direct sunlight for extended periods of time since the Oilcloth does not contain a UV inhibitor.

You can wipe Oilcloth clean using a warm, soapy sponge then dry it off with a soft cloth or sponge. Machine washing is not suggested.

Oilcloth left folded will retain creases but they are easily removed.  Creases can be removed from your folded oilcloth by laying it flat in a warm place.  The oilcloth will become soft as it becomes warm.  Use you hands to smooth out any creases.  Once your oilcloth product is smooth keep it rolled or hung up.

- Modern June the Oilcloth Addict