How to sew with clear vinyl so that your projects don’t come apart and can withstand frequent use. Here are 5 things you should know before you start your sewing project.

1. Selecting vinyl for your project is important – here are a few examples of the vinyl thickness or gauge needed for your projects:

• 6 gauge – Flexible waterproof great for tablecloths
• 12 gauge – Cosmetic bags and garment bags
• 20 gauge – (Heavy duty use) extra-large cosmetic bags and tote bags

2.  Things you need to use when sewing with clear vinyl:

You will need a leather sewing needle.  I use theses needles for almost everything I sew, because my purses and totes can get a little bulky .

• Clips are used to avoid pin holes in the vinyl  preferably  plastic/rubber paper clips are fine. You can find these at the Dollar Store.

• Heavy duty thread is preferable but not necessary.

3.  Before sewing using your leather needle, you will need to adjust your seam tension.  My tension is usually set at 2.5, I recommend a looser stitch tension of 3.0 -3.5 and a wider stitch length of 2.0.

4.  Test your stitches on the vinyl by performing the pull test: If your stitches are too tight it will pull apart like a perforated tablet.  Our first inclination is to double stitch our projects, but you should avoid it, because you’re still creating the same perforated seam with looser stitches. I’ve reinforced my stitches by sewing a seam close to my original seam.

5.  Sewing a straight line when you don’t have a guide line and don’t want to mark on your project.

• The disappearing markers by Singer work well, but you can also clip a sewing gauge to your project to help you keep your lines straight in a pinch.

The best thing about this photo is that you can’t tell that I’m using clear vinyl.

Here’s a 20 gauge extra-large toiletry bag with clear vinyl and covered wooden coat hanger to hold those full size toiletries  and  it folds to conveniently pack in your suitcase.  Perfect for hanging on a bathroom door or in a closet when you travel. It’s a fun project I made for a friend.

Is there a sewing product, or a sewing technique that you want to share?  Submit your sewing tip here for a featured spot!

Stay tuned there’s more to come from La Cartera!