August 31, 2011

Sewing with Oilcloth book and free patterns

I'm always attracted to the oilcloth section in fabric stores. So shiny and retro and wash-offable. But I always stop short of buying any since I don't know what to do with it. I just received a review copy of Sewing with Oilcloth by Kelly McCants, and it's got 20 DIY sewing projects for oilcloth and laminated cotton. Download a couple sample project tutorials at the end of this post!

The book offers lots of tips and tricks for working with oilcloth. Should you pin it? Iron it? Wash it? How do you finish bias trim? Will your sweaty legs stick to an oilcloth cushion on a hot summer day? Wonder no more. (Well actually, that last question is not addressed in the book, but the rest are.)

I haven't tested any of the directions yet, but everything is super cute. You could sew a makeup bag.

Or a box cushion.

Or an apron, wallet, storage bin, baby bib, messenger bag, or the farmer's market tote above. In fact, you can download a printable PDF (5 MB) with instructions for that tote here. Or get PDF instructions (27 MB) for the book's chalk cloth table runner project here.

22 comments:

  1. EllenAugust 31, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    Thanks for this! I shop for fabric at a wonderful store in Royal Oak, MI that always has the most amazing, arty oilcloth, and I hesitate every time because I don't know quite what I'd do with it besides a tablecloth. I think a totebag might be a weekend project soon!

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  2. Grandma GAugust 31, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    Your sweaty legs 'will' stick. There, now ya know.

    Fun projects, though!

    Mum

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  3. tiffany_welkAugust 31, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Looks like a great book! I was wondering if anyone knows of any good sites online to get cute oilcloth/laminated cotton? I don't have any stores locally that carry much :( Thanks!

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  4. The Needle ShopAugust 31, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    We've got a pretty good stash!

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNeedleShop/search?search_query=oilcloth&search_submit=&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5179392&shopname=TheNeedleShop

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  5. Kelly.RAugust 31, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    I have been dying to buy some of the wonderful oil cloth from this adorable fabric shop in Austin called Stitch Lab!

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  6. minotchkaAugust 31, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    Hi , I have a question: have you ever tried those small singers handy stitch sewing machine? I like to buy one but I'm not sure if it works for me. I usually work with felt.
    I will be happy to hear any comments.

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  7. GinaAugust 31, 2011 at 3:44 PM

    I've looked at this book several times but haven't bought it. Love the ideas in it though.

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  8. swimncAugust 31, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    I have made all kinds of stuff from oilcloth ... drop cloths for under highchair, adult and kids aprons and the last thing I made with leftover pieces were some lunchbags ... easy peacy and so fun with all the colors and patterns available ... gonna have to take a look at this book!

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  9. Clean MamaAugust 31, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    I covered an old table with oilcloth to make a craft table and made a little 'fridge pocket, but haven't found a whole lot of other uses - what a great resource!

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  10. RieAugust 31, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    What a great idea for a book! In fact, I was just thinking that I needed to sew a tablecloth for the dining table.. and oil cloth would be just perfect!

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  11. Allison CAugust 31, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Cool. I was just trying to figure out how to make a baby bib out of some that I bought. It is kind of flimsy on its own and even if I sew it back to back (oil cloth on each side) there still is no structure. Then I was thinking about making some bias tape out if the oilcloth or out of some fabric to join them, but I still think it would be too flimsy. Does it or you have any suggestions for baby bibs? I kind of want to avoid using fabric so it is easier to wash up.

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  12. Oly MommaAugust 31, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    I love a lot of these ideas, but I've seen a lot of controversy over using oilcloth for bibs, toys and food safe items since modern oilcloth is vinyl. Some sources say it's safe for all of the above ideas, other sources say it's not due to the high phthalate content, an endocrine disrupter. Because I can't find a clear yes or no as to the safety of my oilcloth stash I'm stuck trying to find a way to use it that involves only incidental contact with kids and food... I'm thinking tote with a lining maybe or bins also with linings. Thanks for sharing the book Jess, maybe it more clearly answers these questions for me. Thanks again! - Jess at OlyMomma

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  13. GillSeptember 1, 2011 at 3:08 AM

    This looks such a great book!
    I'm off to have a look at those patterns - thanks!

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  14. Hannah- Art.Paper.Scissors.Glue!September 1, 2011 at 7:17 AM

    Wow! Why didn't I think of this? Thanks for sharing.... am I the only one who doesn't know what oil cloth or chalk cloth is?

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  15. CBHSeptember 1, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    Thank you so much for this post. I want to let you know that I posted a link to your blog in CBH Digital Scrapbooking Freebies, under the Page 4 post on Sep. 01, 2011. Thanks again.

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  16. Autumn WSeptember 1, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    Thanks for sharing! I'll try it out as soon as I get myself a sewing machine. You always make it look so fun.

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  17. CaraSeptember 2, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    Awesome! I love oilcloth too but never know what to do with it. I am going to pick this up, thanks! :D

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  18. NinaSeptember 2, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    @Oly Momma, not sure if vinyl is the same as PVC - as far as I know, a lot of "oilcloth" is coated with PVC. And PVC is very unhealthy and extremely bad for the environment. I try to avoid it completely, because even if children aren't in direct contact with it, 1) it does off-gas, and 2) we all have to live on this planet!

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  19. Kelly McCants September 2, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Jessica!! I can't thank you enough for such a wonderful review.

    What a wonderful surprise!!

    oxox,
    Kelly


    Oly Momma, I agree with you please don't use oilcloth for projects for kids. Instead use the laminated cotton, oilcloths first cousin.

    My book has lots of laminated cotton patterns and many of the oilcloth patterns can be replaced with laminated. I made notes (June Suggests) in each pattern where substitutes could be made.

    Thanks again for sharing my book!

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  20. Jessica JonesSeptember 3, 2011 at 8:50 AM

    Kelly, you're welcome!

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  21. heatheroweOctober 25, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    I ordered this book and I love it! Just the tips for sewing with oilcloth is worth the very reasonable cost. I was having some problems and now they are solved. I made the pennant (oilcloth on one side, chalkcloth on the other) for my craft booth and you wouldn't believe the compliments I get.

    Thanks Kelly!

    BTW - Kelly also sells oilcloth on Etsy - her shop is called Oilcloth Addict. She also has a blog - check it out for lots of great information: http://oilclothaddict.blogspot.com/

    Can you tell I'm a fan?

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  22. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2013 at 1:31 PM

    You can visit Onlinefabricstore.net. That's where I get all my oilcloth!! It's the cheapest around!!

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