Laminate fabric- tips for sewing pouches
I made a new pouch and I laminated fabric myself. It is such a cool thing to be able to laminate the fabric you want. I LOVE rainbows and pencils so much that some time ago I purchased some pencil images and I printed them on fabric, using Spoonflower’s service.
A few years ago I made this pouch in a generous size; I used this easy pattern.
For laminating I used a product called Pellon Lamifix– it’s a transparent film that you fuse on fabric with the iron. Because of its transparency, it is a little harder to measure and cut it.
This time, I used a product that comes with a paper backing – it was easier to cut and fuse it to fabric. It is called Heat’N Bond Vinyl.
This is my new pouch. I did not use any interfacing; I just laminated the fabric for the outer pouch.
This little project taught me a thing or two, so read below some…
IMPORTANT TIPS!
- ALWAYS clean up the surface of the fabric just before applying the film- use a lint roller for this.
- Use clips to keep the layers together, but if you have to use pins, pin only into the seam allowances.
- Do not touch the surface of the laminate fabric with the iron; use always a pressing cloth. This is how I pressed the zipper opening.
- While you sew and manipulate the fabric, the plastic film wrinkles (especially when you turn the pouch from one side to the other). When the pouch is finished, you have to use a pressing cloth and give the pouch a final pressing.
For best results, press with the lining and outer pouch separated as shown below (for this pouch I laminated the lining, too).
- Make sure the pressing cloth is clean, as well! If it is not, you will melt the dirt into the fabric!
I did it, I ended up with cat hair into my fabric and what did I do? I used the lint roller immediately, on the HOT fabric! DON’T DO THIS! I hardly removed the roller from the fabric; fortunately, it did not cause any damage. - After pressing, let the fabric cool before doing the next step.
What to sew with laminate fabric?
The laminate fabric is great for makeup pouches, medicine pouches (for babies especially), placemats, baby bibs, changing pads, shopping bags; as the fabric is waterproof, you can just wipe it down with a damp cloth.
The pattern used above is very simple and it was easy to sew…
… but a few years ago I made a double pouch too- totally laminated (I used this pattern).
Two pouches in one! My sister still uses it, almost 10 years later!
Have you tried to laminate your own fabric?
Happy sewing!
Related patterns:
Little Wonders – pouch patterns
Twice as Nice – double zippered pouch pattern
Pouch Pattern Bundle
I am looking foward to try it.
Thank you
Do you wash your fabrics first? That is what my brand calls for but I haven’t used it yet. Thanks for the tutorial!
No, Sue, for this project I did not pre wash the fabric. The vinyl fused wonderfully!
This is a great idea. I will try it out.
Thank you
Thank you so much for sharing exactly what happened. I’m sure it was very frustrating at the time, but now makes for such a fun and teachable tale. Thank you!
Does this vinyl fabric sound and look crinkly when it is finished? I made a pouch for my grandson years ago and laminated it myself but I’m not sure of the product. I was very disappointed with the end result.