Sewing with Vinyl: Zipper Pouch Edition

Today, I'm diving into sewing with vinyl so you can confidently tackle making vinyl zipper pouches. Read on to equip yourself with the knowledge, tips and tricks for success with vinyl.

Vinyl is water-resistant, easy to clean, and provides for a structured pouch. Great as a toiletry bag for holding spillable toiletries or as a pencil case for felt-tip pens, which tend to leak. Whether it's a makeup bag, pencil case, or storage pouch that you intend to make, vinyl ensures your creation will last while looking sleek and modern.

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VINYL TIPS & TRICKS

Getting Started: The Essentials You'll Need

Before you start sewing with vinyl, you'll need a few tools and a little know-how to get you started. With the right tools, your results and progress will be quicker, helping you achieve great outcomes. Take the time to plan your project, considering any accessories you might want to include in your final project, such as labels, D-rings, or zipper charms.

Here's a handy list of essential tools:

• Vinyl Fabric: The star of your project will be the vinyl fabric you use. It can add a touch of sophistication to your zipper pouch. I prefer a TPU vinyl because it doesn't crease and is flexible. Available in transparent and block colours, I love to mix and match using two types in my projects.

• Storage: Store your Vinyl out of direct sunlight or in areas with indirect sunlight. Vinyl can discolour over time.

  
  

• Zipper: Choose a high-quality zipper that complements your fabric for a polished finish. I recommend using a resin or nylon coil zipper, as these won't catch on your vinyl. You can purchase nylon coil zippers at Sublime Stitchery here. Ensure you select zipper pulls that match the metal of your zipper coil. You can find zipper pulls at Sublime Stitchery here.

  
  

• Thread: Choose a strong polyester thread to withstand the durability of vinyl. My preference is Superior Threads So Fine! If you can't source So Fine!, then Gutterman polyester thread in 50wt is a great option. The colour of your thread is really a personal choice and depends on the look you're after. I usually choose a neutral colour, such as off-white or beige, or I match my thread colour to my vinyl. I'm tempted to try out a fluorescent thread to see if I like the way it 'pops'.

  
  

• Stitch Length: Use a stitch length of at least 2.5mm or longer. By using a longer stitch length, you avoid the repeated puncturing that can cause a tear or hole, much like a paper doll might be torn. 

  
  

• Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors is essential for precision cutting. My favourite scissors for cutting vinyl (and all fabric types) are Karen Kay Buckley Scissors in either Medium or Large sizes. You might also find cutting with a rotary cutter and quilting ruler on a cutting mat suits you as well.

  
  

• Teflon Presser Foot: Vinyl can stick to a regular presser foot and sewing machine bed, causing pulling and skipped stitches. A Teflon foot can help the vinyl glide smoothly. Other techniques that can help with sticky vinyl are:

  • Washi Tape – adhere it to the bottom of your regular presser foot.

  • If your vinyl is sticking to your extension table, either remove the extension or add several stripes of washi tape to the table to enable a smoother glide.

  • You can layer a piece of baking paper between your vinyl and your sewing machine bed. It can be easily ripped away after you've finished sewing.

    
    

• Sewing Machine Needle: Use a heavy-duty needle, such as a Jeans or Leather needle in a size 90/14 or 100/16.

  
  

• Clips, Not Pins: Pins will leave permanent holes in your vinyl; instead, use sewing clips or binder clips to hold your vinyl in place.

• Don't Iron Your Vinyl: Ironing your vinyl could cause it to melt, leave permanent marks, or stick vinyl to your iron - none of which you want. If you do need to remove creases or smooth out your vinyl, you can use a folded pressing cloth or my favourite - a hair dryer. Using a hair dryer is also a great tool to help soften vinyl when turning zipper pouches the right way out. Avoid stacking layers of vinyl while ironing or heating with a hair dryer, as they may melt together if they become too hot.

  
  

• Practice: Ultimately, whenever you take on a new challenge, it requires practice to perfect it. Be gentle with yourself, and don't expect your first Vinyl project to be a work of art; you might need to repeat a project two or three times before you're happy with the results.

  
  

Making it Personal: Ideas to Make Your Project Unique

Woven labels and bag tags are the perfect way to personalise your projects.

• Convey a message

• Brand your work

• Add interest through texture or colour

  
  

Zipper pulls, Charms, or a D-ring with detachable wrist strap can be used to make your zipper pouch truly yours.

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VINYL TIPS & TRICKS

I'm looking forward to seeing what you create! Please tag me in your Instagram posts (@sublimestitchery) and use the hashtag #meandsublimestitchery so others can benefit from these tips and tricks to help them on their sewing journey.

Happy Sewing,