How to Sew Vinyl - Clear Vinyl Sewing Tips

[@MsHotcoles]

I use a Teflon foot on my machine for sewing vinyl. A walking foot works great too. Obviously, if you don’t have either of those and don’t want to make the investment, tissue paper is a great alternative. Great video.

[@Mellysews]

It's pretty machine specific too, so it's always a good idea to play with what works best with your particular machine.

[@arciaa6115]

What kind of needle is used for vinyl?

[@xxo5294]

Do you have any tips for how to make the Teflon foot work? I bought two to finish making a PVC/faux latex garment and it is absolutely useless for anything other than two thin layers. Ended up having to use tissue paper anyway

[@cm5142]

@@xxo5294 same

[@cm5142]

Not necessarily. I bought the Teflon foot and have a walking foot. It’s not as simple as that unfortunately. What a learning curve!

[@vgvg8246]

I have sewn many vinyl pouches,probably more than 50. I gave most to my niece,who uses them to store different currencies,since she works as air-stewardess. The pouches for myself are for storing sewing accessories, stationeries and for sorting and organizing stuff for travelling. I find that teflon foot doesn't help but tissue paper does work. Recently, I found another tip that even allow me to skip the tissue paper. It's walking foot!

[@Mellysews]

It really depends on the machine. Sometimes Teflon helps, sometimes walking foot is better, sometimes only tissue paper will help.

[@imbetterthanyouhahaha5202]

I’m a new to sewing and I wanted to make a vinyl bag! This helped so much!!! 🤍

[@Mellysews]

Glad it's helpful!

[@jeanpalomo4059]

Love the way you complete your stories.....what to do and not to do. Thank you for sharing!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@Davidposh]

Wish me luck 🤦🏻‍♂️.. I’m going to create a long sleeve turtleneck top for a video. The tissue paper suggestion is genius ✨

[@Mellysews]

Good luck!

[@jaym5938]

Glad I watched this. Unlike 'wire', where the smaller the number, the thicker it is, vinyl get thicker the higher the number. Good to know! Thank you!

[@Mellysews]

Glad it's helpful!

[@petrasbodyworks2448]

Thanks so much, for your tips. I'd be bold to take on vinyl, from this video. You're a grea-t teacher. You've earned a straight subscriber.

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for subbing!

[@johansenkap]

Very practical and clearly explained. Thanks.

[@Mellysews]

You’re welcome 🙂

[@londynmcgrone1734]

Thank great tips! So glad I watched before I began.

[@Mellysews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@smallfootprint2961]

Thanks, Mel. Great tips. Much appreciated.

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@izabeau1953]

That is a great tip, thank you so much...🌹❤️🌹❤️

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@EnbyReads]

this was very helpful! thank you :D

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@lotusshona6367]

Thread and needle ?

[@ulec-han]

exactly the info i was looking for thank you!

[@Mellysews]

Glad I could help!

[@jackieb.7368]

Thanks !!! Very helpful.

[@Mellysews]

Glad it helped!

[@EnglishWithLum]

great tips. Thank you!

[@Mellysews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alwaysyouramanda]

Oh, this is awesome! Thank you! I want to make my dogs better rain jackets than what I’ve done with the plastic bags I’ve had lying around 😂❤

[@Mellysews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joyscranfield5527]

Great information, thank you! I do have one question, which I probably missed, but what needle do you recommend? Thanks again for a helpful video!!

[@Mellysews]

Same needle I use 80% of the time kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmSYmIpumNJ7a5Y

[@jodikasper7995]

Melly Sews great idea. Thank you!

[@craftwithcatherine1883]

great tutorial, found it very helpful and fun to watch!!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks!

[@crisneltrabal5217]

YOU DID HELP ME!!! ❤️

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@hh-ck5no]

Thank you for the tips

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@jasonfish3442]

Great video!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks!

[@hecmac237]

rather than using tissue paper or a teflon foot you can put basking tape on the bottom of your foot that will act like a teflon foot.

[@Mellysews]

Yes, that's another option.

[@mentorhype9054]

Great tips thanks. 🙂

[@Mellysews]

You are so welcome!

[@eizqarqash1991]

Thank you Great tips!

[@Mellysews]

Glad it's helpful!

[@debbiewhite3270]

TY for this video. I watched and made the stadium bag. My biggest difficulty was seeing the darn vinyl to cut it. Any tips?

[@Mellysews]

I find it easier to use a mat/rotary cutter

[@MsDaisy173]

Good information.

[@Mellysews]

Thanks

[@Venti_smalls]

Hiiii, I have a question 🤚🏼 so, say I wanted to use a thicker vinyl and I was going to be sewing a few layers, could I use a foot for leather? My machine comes with a leather foot and I just wondered if it would work better?

[@Mellysews]

I couldn't say, the best way is to try it on a scrap to see.

[@laurasmith6146]

I have problems with the upper tension. My upper thread pulls through to the bottom so the bottom thread just kinda lays there and I have loops at the underside

[@Mellysews]

Tension troubleshooting tips here: mellysews.com/sewing-machine-tension/

[@stephapie1612]

Great!!! Thanks so much 🙂

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@malajaglover8608]

Is there a glue I can use on vinyl/pvc/tpu? I wanted to glue some rhinestones on a corset I have

[@Mellysews]

I haven't worked with glued rhinestones so I'm not sure. kzbin.info does a lot of rhinestone work and her channel or Instagram might have suggestions.

[@undefinednull5749]

Great video! Can you Draw designs on this Vinyl easily?

[@Mellysews]

I couldn't say, I haven't tried that.

[@Helena-ud1jp]

So helpful! Thank you! Any suggestions on how to add a pocket?

[@Mellysews]

I'm not following. Add a pocket to what?

[@dianethompson9525]

Thanks! I’ve never sewn with vinyl before! What kind of things do you use vinyl for? Bags or purses I would imagine -but what else??

[@HarryRunes]

a rain jacket perhaps? you would have to make sure to waterproof the seams though

[@Mellysews]

Several ideas in the post here mellysews.com/tips-for-sewing-vinyl/ and I'll have a new video with another idea next week.

[@urielsantos9546]

I have seen a lot of good ideas for coats and jackets made out of vinyl. They're more of an aesthetical think though, because vinyl isn't exactly very warm

[@lildarkness92]

How would one go about making a vinyl applique? Would glue be better then sewing?

[@Mellysews]

I have not done a vinyl appliqué, so I couldn't say.

[@noxeas_cos]

What kind of dye would work when dying vinyl? I've never worked with vinyl before and I need to make a gradient.

[@Mellysews]

You can't dye it; the pigment has to be added during the manufacturing.

[@romakayak]

Could I use a light lubricant oil like WD-40 on the vinyl. I've got to replace the windows on my boat and I am slightly worried.

[@Mellysews]

I have no idea.

[@undefinednull5749]

how much is 8 gauge in metric units ?

[@Mellysews]

I don't think vinyl gauge would change - it's not specifically an imperial measurement to my knowledge.

[@acamp5468]

thank you so much

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@aylawilkinson7056]

this is exactly what I was looking for, thank you so much! do you know if it's necessary to backstitch when working with vinyl? say if I was to make a shower curtain from it? (im still kind of inexperienced, sorry)

[@Mellysews]

If the line of stitching is not going to be crossed by another line of stitching, it's a good idea to either back stitch or pull threads to the same side and knot. That is a good rule of thumb for any fabric, not just vinyl.

[@aylawilkinson7056]

@@Mellysews thank you very much!

[@merindymorgenson3184]

You could also pull up you’re bobbin thread or pull down your top thread and hand knot them as well. I saw someone do this on another KZbin tutorial, can’t remember which one, and I used it on pleather-y type material and it worked well. On that tutorial they recommended not back stitching as it could cause problems with the integrity of the fabric. Not trying to contradict MellySews, just another perspective.

[@Grace-lx5bs]

i'm having a problem embroidering a name on a vinyl cosmetic bag. Any helpful hints?

[@Mellysews]

Vinyl isn't great for embroidery.

[@PS-iu5cb]

Yes, i'm disappointed. Someone had a video using water soluble stabilizer under vinyl. will try as a last resort! Thanks for the great video!!!@@Mellysews

[@tanishahogan9396]

What would you recommend if you were going to make a clear backpack with the vinyl? Like which size/gauge vinyl and how would you reinforce the connector for the straps?

[@Mellysews]

I'd use similar to what I did in this project mellysews.com/sew-a-clear-bag-diy-vinyl-stadium-tote/

[@tanishahogan9396]

@@Mellysews Thank you! I just found your channel and subscribed immediately! You explain things so well!

[@sofiaribadeneira2312]

The vinyl keeps breaking my needle any tips?

[@Mellysews]

Try a micro sharp needle.

[@iseetheWAYVision]

Tissue paper!! Wow

[@Mellysews]

Hope it helps!

[@terrybarnhill8451]

Awesome !! Great video! What size needle is best????

[@Mellysews]

All about choosing needles here: mellysews.com/how-to-choose-sewing-machine-needles/

[@KuroGetsumeiYami]

Got any Vinyl projects upcoming in the near future? :) Perhaps a raincoat or something?

[@Mellysews]

Nope, nothing planned.

[@damnjacquie]

Do you have any shop recommendations for vinyl other than the sample pack listed ? Or what to search for? I'm looking for 20 or 30 gauge black but it feel impossible to find.

[@Mellysews]

I don't buy vinyl often enough to have other suggestions of where to look.

[@sandan2358]

What’s the little holder on your ruler?

[@Mellysews]

It's part of the ruler.

[@nqabaradebe7114]

Hi Melly, how would you make your vinyl stitching water proof? so water cant pierce in or out the stitching

[@Mellysews]

I haven't ever tried that.

[@moethevirgo5454]

So glad I found this video...would these tips work for jelly sheets as well?

[@Mellysews]

I'm not familiar with jelly sheets.

[@evilqueen09]

It should! I believe jelly sheets are just vinyl sheets

[@moethevirgo5454]

@@evilqueen09 Thanks so much, I kind of thought they were!!

[@celaestisamory1834]

The way the vinyl has a gauge for how thick it is, does thread also have a gauge? If so, what might be some recommendations?

[@Mellysews]

mellysews.com/types-of-thread-for-sewing/

[@kathystrauss9548]

what do I set my upper thread tension to? I have a singer Heavy duty machine and 12 gauge clear vinyl

[@Mellysews]

I really couldn't tell you, every machine is slightly different. Your best bet would be to experiment with scraps before sewing your project.

[@julzbean2917]

Any thread recommendations and needle recommendations for vinyl?

[@Mellysews]

Yes, they're in the post linked in the video description

[@rosettabarnes5591]

I put this clear vinyl on my stools that I did I wanted to put this over the cushion so that if anything were to get spilled on it it wouldn't ruin the fabric & would easily be able to wipe off. but it was really difficult to do. Just wondering if u have any tips for that for future stools I may make.

[@Mellysews]

I don't have much experience with vinyl upholstery, so I don't have any tips for that.

[@ShopperPlug]

Is it possible to make a vinyl tote/bag that can hold 2 gallons of water without it leaking?

[@Mellysews]

Possible? I'm sure it is. But I don't have a tutorial for that.

[@ShopperPlug]

@@Mellysews Basically want to build a True Aeroponic system that was originally invented by NASA. The only issue is that they use large gigantic plastic containers for the plant's rooting chamber. Its 2022 and I feel like "True Aeroponics" needs a complete new redesign concept that is more practical, useful, less expensive, easy to setup and more environmental friendly. True Aeroponics uses a high pressure, hydro atomized mist that sprays the plant's root's suspended in 100% air. The mist's water droplet size is around 50 microns. The spray misters stays on for only 3 seconds and then turns off for 10 minutes. This will repeat indefinitely until harvest time. So the fabric will be used to make the rooting chamber for the plant's roots, nothing very crazy with water drenching anything. But over time some areas at the bottom will form little puddles of water which should slowly drain and slide away to a drain pipe at the center. Just want to make sure that nothing leaks at the sides of the fabric stitching. Using fabric based materials is much more economical and brings more opportunities in using true aeroponics than using premade hard plastic containers which are super expensive. Someone suggested to use a Vinyl cement glue over the stitches to seal it for 100% waterproofness. By the way I have already tried using this NASA True Aeroponics system and it does indeed work wonders, but I used a 5 gallon bucket from home depot and I needed a much larger volume space because the roots started to touch and outgrow the 5 gallon bucket. Plants like tomatoes grows large roots and the roots grows vertically down. So using fabric seems like the best way to make super duper large vertically tall alternative "buckets". Some PVC tubing can be used to hold the fabric in place. Like making a large tall PVC rectangular cube. I did more research and found out I can use pond liner (similar to vinyl material) and use vinyl cement to seal the edges to make a rectangular cube which should be 100% waterproof and super strong adhesion, doesn't require stitching. But the idea of using fabric still seems interesting and I'm sure has usefulness to it. But I am not entirely sure if "pond liner" and "vinyl cement" are non toxic and safe to grow vegetable crops.

[@pantac4493]

I don’t think you need to seal any edge if the liner is much larger than the container, i.e. wood frame maybe. Just make sure there aren’t any areas for punctures, some type of protective layer below the liner could help

[@troyal9351]

Hello! I would like to make a Dopp box bag out of pleather vinyl. What gage vinyl would you recommend for this project. What stabilizer or interface would you recommend to create structure for bag? Thanks

[@Mellysews]

I wouldn't add stabilizer to vinyl, it would show through.

[@troyal9351]

I wasn’t referring to CLEAR vinyl

[@Dinker27]

I intend to make a casing for a mermaid tail. How can I soften up the edges so the vinyl doesn't cut into the fabric?

[@Mellysews]

You can't really soften vinyl without affecting its integrity and making it prone to ripping.

[@Dinker27]

@@Mellysews Is there any way to prevent as much damage to the fabric?

[@ssarahhpk]

i’ve been searching everywhere but where do you find those clear vinyl

[@Mellysews]

I linked my vinyl sources in the video description.

[@merindymorgenson3184]

I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it at Wal-mart (with the vinyl-type tablecloths) and at JoAnn’s in the States.

[@jenniferbrennan3244]

What needle do you use

[@Mellysews]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmSYmIpumNJ7a5Y

[@masoudahmad4348]

Hai Mel i live in Indonesia, i have a projec to make decor for my open door cafe, i whant to make a vinyl stiched to a cloath 1 meter by 50 cm wide can you give me an advise how ta make a neet results????!

[@Mellysews]

All my best advice is in this video

[@blackgirlsareblessed6688]

Which tension is best, my thread keeps poping and am about to go crazy

[@Mellysews]

It depends on your specific machine. If your thread keeps breaking that's a sign you have too much tension.

[@pollysmith338]

I have a question what size needle do you have to sew Vinyl😀

[@Mellysews]

How I choose needles: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmSYmIpumNJ7a5Y

[@Anna-ii1pq]

Is it possible to hand stich vinyl with a needle?

[@Mellysews]

I have never tried to hand stitch vinyl so I don't have any good tips for that.

[@Anna-ii1pq]

@@Mellysews Ahh okay, thank you!!

[@susan1098]

Will wax paper work instead of tissue to sew vinyl?

[@Mellysews]

Probably not, as it tends to be slick and sticky like vinyl, which is the problem. It also doesn't tear as easily as tissue paper. You need something softer and not glossy that tears easily. Toilet paper can work.

[@susan1098]

Melly Sews Thank you for your response. This help a lot.

[@readwisetoo5207]

Is it a good idea to use a clear nylon thread?

[@TheJudeJane]

Nina Woodward Polyester thread okay and a Microtex needle.

[@Mellysews]

You could. I never do, but I usually combine vinyl and fabric so I don't have thread showing on the vinyl.

[@oooohelloworld]

Hi, where did you find that clear vinyl you are using ?

[@Mellysews]

Joann

[@fredhubbard7210]

Outdoor fabric store, awning, Sailrite.

[@daciasdiy1861]

What kind of thread do u use ?

[@Mellysews]

mellysews.com/types-of-thread-for-sewing/

[@jodikasper7995]

I have a plan to make a rain coat. What do you suggest for seaming the pieces together? Tissue paper on top of the 2 pieces of vinyl? It will be a trench coat style.

[@Mellysews]

I'd suggest playing with scraps and seeing what works best with your particular combination of fabric and machine.

[@michelleseager9782]

When I buy vinyl it comes with tissue paper. Don’t throw it away! 😉

[@Mellysews]

It can be helpful!

[@emmadrake3789]

Hi where did you get the vinyl from

[@momgrandma5496]

Super tips, especially increasing the stitch length, oh the horror to have your creation fall apart. : (

[@Mellysews]

The worst!