Sewing with waterproof fabrics can be a challenge, but the results can be well worth the effort. Whether you are sewing seat cushions, bags, or outdoor gear, use the following tips to make sure you get the best out of your efforts.
Needle and thread choice
Choosing the right needle is essential when sewing with standard waterproof and luxury water resistant fabrics. In many cases, you will need to use a sharp needle made for heavy-duty work, such as a size 100/16 or 90/14. There are exceptions to this, however, such as if you are choosing to get crafty with thinner water-resistant materials, such as the shower curtain projects found on the Good Housekeeping magazine website/.
Whatever needle you choose, they should generally be used with strong nylon or polyester thread. These are the best options to ensure that the thread can cope with moisture and will offer the durable, long-lasting results you require.
Pre-washing and drying
Pre-washing and drying your water-resistant fabrics from companies such as https://extex.co.uk/fabric-collections will eliminate any chemicals in the fabric and allow for any shrinkage before you start a project.
Avoid pins
Straight pins can leave holes in waterproof fabric or lead to the fabric shifting. Instead, use wonder clips or standard clips to hold pieces of fabric together. These will prevent movement without leaving visible marks and help to ensure that projects turn out as you want them to with minimal time and fabric wastage.
Seal seams
Watertight seams are essential, and these can be achieved using a variety of methods, including using seam sealing tape, sealant, or waterproof glue. The exact method you choose will depend on the type of fabric and project.
Stitches and tension
To prevent issues with a project, start out by testing stitching and tension on a piece of scrap fabric. Use the same fabric as you are using for a project in order to make sure that your machine settings will work and achieve the type of result you want.
