What is PUL fabric? The complete waterproof polyurethane laminate fabric tutorial

[@shirleylum2198]

You were so clear and concise in your explanation of PUL and I thank you. No other channel that I have ever seen has been this educational.

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

+Shirley Lum Thank you so much, that's so kind of you to say.

[@preparedhomesteaders4662]

I wish I could give this 100 thumbs up. Thank you!!!!

[@sewandcraftwithnuha]

Thanks for sharing this. I bought a solid color of fabric the other day, but I don't know the name. It has charactheristic just as PUL. Now I'm so sure it's PUL :)

[@ShopperPlug]

By far the best content in KZbin about the facts of good waterproof fabrics. How can I make 100% waterproof seams for a plant rooting chamber used in aeroponics? I do not want to use plastic containers because they are very expensive and hard to work with and setup, specially for large containers used in commercial settings. I think waterproof fabrics is the solution but do not know how to make 100% waterproof joints and seams. Thanks

[@lynel2765]

planing to make loose and mid thigh water proof pants for my mom to over over adult diapers because sometimes it. an be heavy. Glad to know that those needle holes seals up with washing and drying. And you mentioned a lining so it doesn't snag. Good tip.

[@elisabettarenwick6269]

What an excellent video this one is. You present the information simply and with clarity. I especially like how you demonstrated the difference of sewn PUL vs oilskin - that was a very powerful way to show that PUL is easier to work with and gives a more durable result when turning sewn seams. Thanks for taking the time to make this excellent video and for sharing your knowledge.

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

Thank you so much for leaving such a lovely comment. I really am so pleased you've found it so helpful 💕

[@kasebastin7480]

Medom, PUL Coating cloth is available India??.....Is available pls say location...

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

To avoid any confusion, please note that when I refer to the weave, I am referring only to how the fabric strands interlock - this is a knit fabric, not a woven fabric.

[@BeatlesFanSonia]

I never heard of a knit foot. This was an excellent video.

[@BizziCat]

Thank you. I was using this fabric for the first time for baby bibs and you told me exactly what I needed to know! Now I’m off to sew the bib.

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

Thanks! Hope you enjoyed your bib making!

[@mercedessanchez1657]

Thank you, this answered questions I had and questions I hadn’t even thought about.

[@AzizaKibibi]

Does oil degrade the waterproof coating?

[@Mary-mj2px]

Thank you! this answered all my questions and some I didn't even know I had

[@lauradonofrioart]

That was extremely thorough, thank you for the video!

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

+Laura D'Onofrio thank you so much. I'm so pleased you found it so helpful

[@ruthreynolds5433]

This is literally the best fabric guide thank you! Is soft shell the same as PUL?

[@shankarbn]

Thanks for this tutorial. will I need a seam seal to make it fully waterproof where the needle has made a hole?

[@gigin8546]

THank you for this informational tutorial. I'm wondering what size needle to use and what kind of thread. Should the stitch length be long so there are fewer holes in the fabric?? Thanks for your help and thanks for this tutorial!

[@gachalife4264]

Wondering the same. Do you use stretch needle or ball point? @sewingbeefabrics and yes do you use longer stitch length? here the stitches looked very very short.

[@sbkmarkel]

I'm looking for a totally non-toxic PVC-free material that wipes clean for a tablecloth. Do you have any suggestions, please?

[@lindaperkins5405]

Thank you so very much!! Great tutorial and I appreciate the hints.

[@jeanettegeorge5156]

If I make a diaper cover, should I line it with cotton fabric? Wouldn't that get wet then? I haven't worked with it before and I would like to.

[@shaunahairston5824]

Thanks for this information...I am going to be crocheting bags for Christmas and wanted something to line the bags due to these bag will be for laptops's and I would like to keep the stuff in the bag to get wet. I am hoping this works great. :0)

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

What a great idea. I'm sure it'll work fab!

[@chandredavids2630]

Hi I made curtains an washed them in my washing machine I hanged the curtains wrong sides facing an they stuck together an tore badly how can I fix it the rubbery side

[@IMOO1896]

Is there anyway to know if pul fabric is food safe, after it’s been cut from the bolt? I ordered some to use in reusable pads, didn’t like them, so now I want to make food bowl covers. I can’t go back to the place of purchase, so is there any way of looking at the fabric to determine this?

[@vintagefrill13]

Great video!! From your demonstration... It shows that the top layer holds onto the water. Does it transfer that water onto skin? For example could this be used to make a waterproof blanket? I have a son who has a g-tube and it leaks at night and he wakes up cold and wet because the water sits in the fabric of his blankets. If I made this into a blanket he could lay on top of would it keep him dry? Would I have to have him lay on the back side of the fabric to stay dry? Thanks in advance! :)

[@a1nelson]

Are there any particular tapes, sealants, etc. that you could recommend to help improve the waterproofing of the seams - for either or both of the materials that you compared? Thanks.

[@bszurpicki]

I'm also looking for tape guidance - any help Sewing Bee?

[@a1nelson]

Great, detailed overview. I have a question. When you sewed the heavier material, the video images made it appear that the tension was way off - the threads appeared not to be locked within the fabric. Was this intentional? Or maybe it was not a straight stitch - giving the seam an unusual appearance? Or, maybe it was just a casual demonstration? I’ve had mixed success with vinyl and like materials, so I suppose I’m asking if there are special techniques that would make sewing them more successful. There is not a lot of useful information available, so it’s very likely that I’m missing some important things. Side note: I’ve found that it’s often the thickness, rather than the material qualities, that make the biggest difference, when it comes to tearing. I’m guessing this is due to different amounts of shearing that occur when the seams are folded. Especially considering the 1mil PUL, that might explain part,of why the stitch/performance was so different. Even so, PUL is very forgiving. Anyway, I appreciate your helpful tips. Thanks.

[@wayneessar7489]

The heavier material was not pul it was oil cloth.

[@loveiselasticcreations3663]

I was wondering about PUL fabric vs fabric that has been water proofed by a spray or liquid...

[@tammyaltic2254]

Hi, I have a new grandbaby coming any day now and I am making a diaper changing mat clutch and was wondering if you can interface the PUL fabric and at what temperature would you set your iron? My pattern calls for Pellon SF101 and Pellon fleece so was just needing some advice on how to and iron temperature, I've never used PUL fabric before so this is new to me. Thanks so much for your help. Tammy

[@monamondol8407]

Sister is pul harmful for body and plants like polyester, nylon etc?

[@dicqtracy]

Can't this be used to make rain coats ?

[@jordanezell5132]

Can this go under water? If so, what can I do to stop seam leakage? Could I use a flat iron to melt the plastic together?

[@TsetsiStoyanova]

really eye opening

[@ahmirjaxen9480]

Instablaster.

[@francaperotti5934]

Can you sew a knitted or crochet pad to put on the bed?

[@rsstnnr76]

I've been looking for a pair of waterproof shorts. I hate getting out of the water and having wet shorts. Would it be possible to design and make a fashionable pair of swim trunks out of Polyurethane Laminate (or I guess sandwiched Polyurethane Laminate)? Does that exist at all? I don't know if this fabric would even work because it sounds like the polyester still soaks up the water.

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

I don't think you'd get the quick dry effect you're looking for with this fabric. I'm aware that many people who regularly do water based activities will often favour neoprene so this may be a fabric you can look into.

[@lindadechow3703]

This is great, thanks. I am sewing hygiene pads with pul and wondered about that. Great video, thanks.

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

Thank you!

[@ninamarie2312]

hi there I'm wondering which PUL fabric would you recommend for the warmth and also waterproof even if you are stitching and the water won't affect any water entering through the stitches?

[@lornaj6042]

Im trying to chose material to make a raincoat trench I think I have chosen pul but what would you suggest?

[@meaghanlarsen1618]

What sewing needle did you use?

[@lindanorman1373]

Is it ok to use this fabric between 2 (terry cloth) layers of a baby bib?

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

Yes this fabric would be fine for this. We have used the same fabric to make bibs in the past

[@learntocrochet1]

Before I knew about PUL I tried making doll raincoats & boots out of oilcloth - Disaster! Next I tried [brand name] Pleather. Nice shiny yellow available and only a bit easier to sew with. My last group of rain gear was made with PUL and what a difference that made! Thank you for this detailed background information. Could you also please post some background on the manufacture of your fabric? Some PUL uses environmentally save solvents in the manufacturing process and releases no volatile organics. Also, where is your fabric manufactured and under what conditions? Not saying I don't find this fabric adorable durable and a breeze to work with - but still I like to be environmentally responsible when I can.

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

We use a couple of different manufacturers to make ours. We only pick those that currently or recently have held oeko tex certification for their laminates/fabrics

[@marietteforget7804]

Hi and thanks a million for this great tutorial! 😎🌸

[@lilfry2u]

This video was very helpful! Thanks so much!

[@cheryltauyan3472]

Hi! I made a wet bag with white pul as a lining with a cotton fabric. My question is does it matter which side of the pul is used as the inside? Also, can ironing the seams seal the holes from stitches?

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

+Cheryl Tauyan it wouldn't change the day to day function or how waterproof the wet bag is depending on which way round the fabric is, but it may be a little less durable if the laminated side is the side exposed to the contents of the bag as a scratch or rip to the lamination over time and with repeated washing can make it start to separate away from the fabric. I wouldn't recommend a direct heat with an iron as you may melt the lamination but you might find a hair dryer might work if you have no access to a tumble drier... Worth an experiment! I've only ever sealed holes a couple of times and never noticed any difference as I've never had leakage at the stitching so your need to seal with probably depend on what's actually going in the bag. If it's just damp then chances are you'll be fine without sealing your seams. Hope that helps. Linda

[@clincpb8903]

How do you wash PUL ?

[@gatester223]

Hello. Will PUL take screen printing effectively? Thanks.

[@earthlingsixbillionandsome406]

I really have to learn to sew.

[@andra1110]

Is it a diference between pul and tpu?

[@dorababas2229]

Hello I enjoyed your video, you gave a very good information about the PUL fabric. Would you be able to tell us where we can get PUL fabric at a reasonable price to make things to sale? Thanks in advance. Dora

[@cutiedoggy475]

Would this be good for a salon cape?

[@ultramarinetoo]

2:13 "it's got a very very fine weave" ?! Surely this is a knit fabric, not woven at all.

[@daniellegordon5549]

where did you get the black and white chevron?

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

Hi, all the patterns featured were in our shop at the time of filming. I think the one you are after is currently out of stock but we have plenty of others here - www.sewingbeefabrics.co.uk/product-category/fabric/waterproof-pul/

[@creativeart4361]

Wow it's really very informative tutorial! I'm a I.T guy and don't know about any chemical reaction but I have one question, may be you know about the DTG (Direct to Garment) printing process. For the dark garments we have to spray on a t-shirt with pretreatment and dry it with heat press machine before printing. This pretreatment process is used for binding the white ink (Textile Pigment Ink) on t-shirt. First white ink layer would be printed underneath then CMYK. I'm curious if we can use polyurethane as a binding agent for pretreatment process :). Your reply would be highly appreciated and thousands of people can get the benefit if your reply would be positive. In advanced thanks :)

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

I'm afraid I'm no expert on printing methods so i wouldn't be sure, but surely the pretreatment area would take on more of a shiny surface - not sure how well the CMYK would print on top of that. If you have a go, let us know!

[@a1nelson]

The central issue with the proposed technique is that it would alter the drape and feel of the fabric (as briefly described in the video). Polyethylene, polypropylene and polyurethane have a translucent, white cast when not treated otherwise. Given that the human eye will naturally compensate for the material (fabric, paper, etc.) around images, 4-color images can be successfully printed and viewed in a surprisingly natural way on salmon colored newspaper, as a real-world example. So, if the change in drape is acceptable, the white undercoating may actually be unnecessary for printing on fabrics which have been dyed with colors that are not highly saturated. Of course, you mentioned “dark” garments, so YMMV. Although I have quite a bit of experience with both screen and offset printing, I haven’t attempted the process you described. However, I suspect that, were the poly mixed with titanium dioxide (cheap and readily available), you’ll get the undercoat you’re looking for. So, basically, yes. Hope that helps.

[@marytheaussierando9562]

Is Pul safe to be used for sanitary pads?

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

Yes, it is one of the main uses for that fabric.

[@marytheaussierando9562]

Thank you. I thought it would be. When making sanitary pads, do you have to cover this with a cotton fabric or can it be used as an exposed core touching the skin?

[@kopec82]

Mary Campbell yes definitely

[@helenbrown8572]

Mary Campbell the PUL is normally on the underside of the pads as a waterproof barrier so the blood doesnt go through onto clothing.

[@polinab.3594]

Your link doesn't work anymore. Do you have an updated link?

[@IJTV9]

I live in Indonesia, how can I buy that cloth?

[@ambajha7037]

Online mil sakta hai kya

[@marianmac2927]

Excellent info. thanks. How would you attach a lining to it so it would stay in place all over it and not just on the edges?

[@nowthen7073]

Is it breathable?

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

To buy PUL fabric, our range of solid colours, patterns and plush polyurethane laminate fabric can be found here - www.sewingbeefabrics.co.uk/product-category/fabric/waterproof-pul/

[@kateferguson6526]

This is incredibly helpful, thank you!

[@juliamchugh3190]

This is helpful but I’m still struggling with top stitching my cloth nappies. What needle type is best?

[@grinchlette]

Sewing store just told me an 14/90 sewing machine needle. I have yet to try it yet.

[@wasanamaduwanthi8469]

I am in Sri Lanka..can I know the price of this fabric..can I buy this in Sri Lanka

[@poptindesign]

Thank you for this tutorial! I'm much more confident in making items with it now :) Any tips for what lining would be best to attach to the PUL? I'm making a large play mat for a friend's baby!

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

+poptin thank you! Maybe something soft like cuddle fleece if that side is facing up? Or maybe a batting with cotton layer - I'd just join the 2 before joining to the pul. Or, if you are having PUL facing upwards, maybe something that won't slide much on the floor like denim?

[@quixoticduck]

Would PUL be good for a shower cap? Or also for a flaxseed heat cap for heated hair conditioning? Can PUL go in the microwave? Also can fleece go in the microwave? Thanks.

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

PUL works perfectly for a shower cap. It washes up to 50 degrees centigrade so I wouldn't recommend heating it any higher than that or you might risk melting the polyurethane layer.

[@danieladelapaz8244]

CAN I USE IT FOR CUSHIONS ?

[@moirastrickland9846]

Is this environmentally friendly? Thanks for your video by the way very interesting.

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

That depends how you look at it. Polyester isn't a natural fibre plus it has a polyurethane backing which isn't ideal for the environment. However, we had about 10 PUL fabric cloth nappy wraps that were used for 2 babies. They are still more than usable to be given for another baby - imagine how many hundreds of disposable nappies that little bit of fabric saved going to landfill! The same goes for cloth sanitary or continence pads, or using it to cover bowls instead of cling film etc.

[@dhwanijoshi8861]

Where I can found it India? Plzz tell me about it.

[@cindymcfarland4686]

Excellent video! I learned so much. I am planning on making diapers so this is all new to me!

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

+Cindy McFarland thank you so much. Good luck diaper making!

[@jordanburgess6303]

No way I can make it on the way home from me now if you want to come over for

[@jordanburgess6303]

What's up man

[@jordanburgess6303]

Why destiny

[@jordanburgess6303]

Who is this

[@khione8044]

Do you need to seal the PUL after stitching with a sewing machine? If so, is there any other way to seal the PUL from the needle punctures from sewing, other than putting in the dryer? I do not have a dryer, and I air dry my clothes after washing.

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

It depends what you are planning on using it for. I haven't got a tumble drier either. I've taken a couple of bits to friends to pop it in theirs while I visit, but I've made plenty of PUL cloth nappy wraps, not tumble dried them and still never had a leak around any of the stitching. I guess you could probably also use a hairdryer to give a similar dry heat... following the stitching around slowly - although I haven't tried it myself to be sure.

[@khione8044]

@Sewing Bee Fabrics. Thank you! I was planning on sewing Cloth Diapers and Cloth Pads. The hair dryer tip might just work, if I have any problems come up with it.

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

Looking forward to seeing how they come out! Cloth pads and nappies at just so much nicer!

[@khione8044]

@Sewing Bee Fabrics. Yes, I'll be excited once I am finally able to make my 1st item. Cloth Pads 1st though. I don't have kids yet, but would like to sew a stash a little bit at a time, so I have them ready for when I need them. :)

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

Sounds like a very smart plan. A lot of people end up feeling too ill or tired to sew much through pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters so you usually can't sew as much as you think you will!

[@yasminabdul3792]

Are you selling this fabric?

[@SimonaShine]

There's something wrong with your site,it won't let me scroll down as it continues to upload second after second and always load the upper page. I wasn't able to see fabric details or anything.

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

So sorry you were experiencing problems. It seems to be an intermittent issue over the last couple of for a few people but I've not been able to recreate it and neither has our tech support team so we aren't sure of the cause. Hopefully you won't find it again but please do message me if you run into any more troubles

[@ReVa_Creations]

Can we use umbrella fabric in the place of PUL?

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

That would depend on what you are trying to make!

[@chelitajimenez8738]

What is the name of your favorite foot? And thank you for your video

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

I have lots of favourite feet. It just depends what I'm trying to sew as to which one is best. 😀

[@lredding9890]

Do you know if it is foodsafe?

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

Some of the more expensive brands have certification for food safety but others don't.

[@nomicaguillory3369]

Hello, Where can I find polyurethane fabrics?

[@MarianiRobinson]

hi, I tried several times get into your website but I think there is a problem as the page keeps moving up and does not let me select anything :(

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

So sorry you were experiencing problems. It seems to be an intermittent issue over the last couple of for a few people but I've not been able to recreate it and neither has our tech support team so we aren't sure of the cause. Hopefully you won't find it again but please do message me if you run into any more troubles

[@kbsjrk9640]

How long can this last in water until it’s not waterproof anymore?

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

I'm afraid I haven't tested keeping it submerged, but I've had plenty of nappy covers just as waterproof after 2 babies and years of regular washing if that helps

[@patriciakuadey1580]

Is this food safe?

[@jinjarogers1711]

Great video! Any idea what PUL fabric is called in Australia? I can't find it anywhere so maybe it's named something else?

[@justicealts4230]

Just look up cloth nappy supplies and you’ll find it.

[@jinjarogers1711]

@@justicealts4230 thanks😊🇭🇲

[@cindyr4363]

Jinja I'm in Australia too and sometimes I have trouble finding materials they talk about, so i use key words for what the material is used for. In this case i used the words waterproof and absorbent fabrics. And found heaps of suppliers , I ended up getting mine from spotlight but there were heaps of online stores in Australia that also have it including Ebay etc . 🙂

[@jinjarogers1711]

@@cindyr4363 I will try that, thanks for the tip. 👍🇭🇲

[@ChaCha-yj3mu]

Can you print on Pul fabric???

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

To have patterned fabrics available says it must be possible to print on PUL. However, I haven't tried it myself so couldn't tell you the best way. I would just look for a way of printing suitable for polyester that doesn't require heat of more than 60 degrees centigrade. Let me know how your experimenting goes if you try!

[@shaikhaalamri1990]

IS it heat proof like if i pour hot water on it while wearing it will my skin get burned

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

+unicorn it has no insulating properties so although it will keep the water off of you, you will still feel the heat. If it was very warm water, you could however add a layer of insulated wadding then a lining layer to keep the warmth out. However if the water is over 60 degrees Celsius you would risk break down of the polyurethane layer which may let some water seep through, especially through repeated exposure. If the water temperature is significantly over then I would be concerned that there would be a risk of the polyurethane layer of the PUL fabric melting directly onto the skin which obviously would not be a good outcome. Hope that helps!

[@caitlinwilliams7421]

Can you buy fabric from walmart and put clear pul on it?

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

I've never heard of anyone being able to make PUL at home, but if you do, let us know how

[@ivettetorres3197]

Thank you for the awesome video. Would you please do a video where you sew cotton fabric to standard PUL?

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

+Ivette Torres Thank you so much. I'll have a think about a project for future. In the mean time though, cotton to PUL is easy when you have the laminated side between the 2 fabrics. If you sew it with the PUL outer facing the feed dogs then it feels and moves just like sewing cotton. If you are sewing with the laminate facing out, just treat it as sewing PUL on its own. Hope that helps!

[@srikantsamal7756]

.

[@kbsjrk9640]

Is laminated pvc or pul more durable and waterproof?

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

Both are waterproof but how waterproof they will be as a finished project will depend on how you sew it and durability will depend on use and washing. My personal experience though is that PUL tends to put up with a lot more abuse!

[@hildaplett3589]

Your range of PUL fabric is three or four? Disappointing. Or am I checking in the wrong place?

[@ghihbgyu]

Is the PUL fabric also grease resistant? I mean, can it be used for bibs?

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

It's perfect for bibs. My little ones never managed to get anything to go through theirs

[@JustUsForresters]

Can I use this for a shower cap?

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

Yep! It would be perfect for it

[@ME-gy6hi]

The link to the fabric is invalid….ahhhhhh

[@SewingbeefabricsCoUkUpdates]

We're very sorry about that. We'll get that changed, in the meantime this is the address you need shop.sewingbeefabrics.co.uk/product-category/fabric/waterproof-pul/

[@ambajha7037]

Kaise meetar hai

[@jasmine-je4gv]

she's DROWNING THE FABRIC!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@abcd-hw8io]

Have anyone tried making face masks with pul?

[@wayneessar7489]

Air and water won't get through it so not a good mask choice.