Sewing With Vinyl and Faux Leather Hints and Tips 

We know that there are many ways to sew with vinyl and faux leather, but here are some of my tips for sewing with vinyl 

I have a singer heavy duty along with my Juki industrial machine and the Highlead heavy duty. 

Our Favourite tools

So, let’s start with the basics, choice of needles I prefer to use micro tex 80 and if the vinyl is a little thicker, I swap out to a 90. 

Make sure you are always use a quality thread that doesn’t snap. Our choice is moon thread 

Don’t us pins on faux leather and vinyl it will leave holes and they won’t come out. Get yourself some wonder clips they are perfect for bagmaking.  

Tip 1 – Longer Stitch Length 

When sewing with vinyl and faux leather make your stitch length longer, I set mine to around 3.0mm a bit longer if needed but please do test with your faux leather first get a little square and do a few tests stitched maybe even try and layer up your offcuts. This will save the mistakes when sewing your bag.

Tip 2 – Teflon and walking foot 

If you don’t already, you’re going to want to invest in these, if you can’t afford both straight away then go with the Teflon foot first as this really helps with sticky vinyl. I know you can use tape under a normal foot but if you’re planning on sewing with a lot of vinyl then its best to invest. 

Buy a quality one that’s made for your machine, trust you will be able to tell the difference 

Tip 3 – Turning the vinyl (Applying heat)

Yes, you can apply heat to vinyl but please never apply direct heat to the front of the vinyl it will melt.

When you’re turning the vinyl you can use a hair dryer, pop it on a radiator or even leave it in the sun for a little bit (But this is the Uk so not always an option), once the vinyl has heat applied it will make the vinyl more pliable and easier to turn.

If you are applying interfacing or your ironing, please use a pressing sheet or even just a tea towel, and only even on the back of the vinyl never the front. 

Our recommendations for vinyl and faux leather for bag making

We test all of our vinyl’s and faux leather before we offer them to you, so that we know we are only offering quality fabrics. And all our products will work just some are trickier to master.

 Here are our top picks for sewing 

• Luna Faux leather
• Metallic and pearl faux leather 
• Printed faux leather 
• Glitter vinyl canvas  

We sell by the metre and in rolls (16” x 52” Wide) we do this so that vinyl doesn’t get damaged when folded and it keep postage more affordable then sending a rolled half metre.  

Do I need to interface my vinyl and faux leather for bag making?

No, you don’t have to, but check your pattern and the intended finished look. 

And then you’ll also have to consider the type of faux leather you are using.

I have a sample book with all the faux leather with different interfacing I find this helps when planning my next project 

My favourite interfacing is Vilene Fusible Fleece, either 630 or 640 and I love Decovil light and heavy again depends on the pattern.

Hello and welcome 

We are always being asked about our vinyls and faux leather so i thought i would create a post with some of our most asked Questions. If you don't see your answer here get intouch we are always happy to help. 

What’s the difference Between Faux leather and vinyl?

Faux leather is a kind of synthetic leather that can take on characteristics and texture of real leather. Whereas vinyl does not. 

What the difference between Glitter vinyl and glitter vinyl Canvas?

our glitter vinyl canvas is a lot more flexible and easier to turn when making a bag, whereas our glitter vinyl is quite dense and stiff. Both are perfect for embroidery and bag making, it is all down to personal preference and what your machine prefers 

Which Felt is better for embroidery?

Both our polyester and wool felt are perfect for embroidery. It’s all down to which one you prefer to use.

Can our Vinyl and faux leathers be washed?

We have tested all of our vinyls and faux leather they wash perfects at 30 degree, but please dont tumble dry them. We do ask that you do your own testing aswell

The only Vinyl we recommend you dont wash is the Glow in the dark as the uv reactor may wash away eventually 

Which vinyl are the best for key fobs?

For Keyfob/Keyrings all of our faux leathers and vinyls will work perfectly. My Top Picks are
Glitter vinyl , Holographic, Patent and our new Luna Faux leather 

Which of our vinyl are good for bag making?

All of our products will work for bag making but my favourites are Glitter vinyl Canvas , leatherette pearl and metallic and our new Luna Faux leather 

Can you Iron our Vinyl & Faux Leather?

Yes on a low heat on the back with a tea towel or covering between the vinyl and the iron

When sewing what stitch length do, I need?

I recommend that you sew with a longer stitch length. we recommend stitch length number 3. but this all depends on your machine and each one is different. Do a few test stitches first so you can get it perfect. Our A5 pack of vinyls is perfect for all your Practice stitches.

How can we turn your Vinyl & Faux Leather?

Applying heat will Help turn the vinyl easier. We have a number of ways to do this for example, Hair dryer, radiator and an iron on a low heat.

Does our glitter vinyl shredded glitter?
No all of our glitter is sealed into the vinyl meaning no sheading