Working with Laminates

Laminates are one of the most versatile fabric groups to work with. Due to their natural water-resistant properties, laminates allow you to work on a variety of different projects, such as placemats, coasters, the backing of picnic blankets, beach bags, grocery bags and more! They come in many different forms, but I will focus on three in this class:

• Oil Cloth
• Vinyl
• Laminate Cotton

Some are stiffer than others, which can make a great sturdy bag or tablecloth, and some are lighter, perfect for raincoats. Aurora will give you many different tips and tricks on how to sew each kind of laminate to get the best look to your next project.

The great thing about laminates is they are cost effective. Oilcloth, for example, is 100% laminated. This means there are no natural fibers, such as wool or cotton, and therefore bring the cost down! However, if you want a higher-end fabric for your project, you can get Laminated Cotton, which is quilting-weight cotton beautifully printed, and coated in a clear coat of laminate.

Throughout this class, Aurora will also show you two different types of wallets to make with laminates. We have also included a pattern and step-by-step instruction guide to make your very own! Aurora will give you everything you need to be able to create your next laminate project with confidence and success!

BONUS MATERIALS FOR THIS CLASS

CLASS PROJECT PDF
Download this PDF for a detailed step-by-step instruction guide to make your own laminated wallet.

CLASS PATTERN PDF
Download this PDF pattern to make your laminated wallet as seen in the class.

SUGGESTED TOOLS & SUPPLIES PDF
See the list of tools & supplies needed to create this project.

MEET YOUR EXPERT VIDEO
Download this video to hear how Aurora has learned to work with laminates over the years and how it has become one of her favorite fabrics to work with.

Session 1: Types of Laminates

In this session Aurora will review 3 different types of laminates; oil cloth, vinyl and laminated cotton. You will learn the history of these products and the benefits and best uses of each of them.

Session 2: Tips for Sewing Laminates

Sewing laminates can be very tricky for many sewists. Aurora will take you through important tips to make sewing with laminates a breeze! You will have the opportunity to learn various ways painter’s tape can benefit your project when using laminates, as well as the different foot types you may want to use.

Session 3: How to Care for and Store

Caring for laminates is very easy; household cleaner or even just some water will get the dirt right off! The one thing you need to be careful about is ironing on laminates. In this session, Aurora will take you through how to store your laminates to avoid wrinkling them, as well as the best ways to get wrinkles out if you have them.

Session 4: Laminate Cutting Tips

This session is all about the best ways to cut out your laminates! Pins are very helpful in keeping the pattern steady for the laminated cloth, but the oil cloth and clear vinyl are a little bit thicker, making it difficult to get pins in without moving the pieces around. But don’t worry; there are tips and tricks Aurora will show you that will make cutting your pieces easy! You will get to see step-by-step instructions on how to make sure you get a perfect cut, every time.

Session 5: Vinyl / Oil Cloth Wallet

Learn how to make your very own wallet! In this session, Aurora will take you through everything you need to know on making an oil cloth wallet.. The best way to start is with the backing. Aurora will also walk you through the clear vinyl piece of the wallet, and how to create zippers on thick vinyl, which can be tricky. From mitered corners to adding zippers and putting it all together, you will have the tools you need to be successful.

Session 6: Laminate Cotton Wallet

Do you prefer laminate cotton over oil cloth? If that’s the case, this segment is just for you! Laminate cotton is a little different to work with than the other two because of the weave in the fabric and it is slightly thinner. Aurora shows you how to adjust the way you construct the wallet based on the fabric you are using. Not to mention, the tips you learn from this project will carry over to a variety of projects in which you want to use laminates.