In this comprehensive guide to sewing with Chalk Cloth, you will learn 10 tips for sewing with chalk cloth fabric. In addition, you will also learn the benefits of using it for your different projects.
Look at our amazing Chalk Cloth it is so much fun to stitch with.
It works exactly like a traditional chalk board but it is a fabric. You can write on it, draw on it and the great thing is, it’s wipe clean, so that you can use it again and again.
Need inspiration? Check out our re-usable gift tag project using chalk cloth.
Never miss another tutorial or guide…
Stay up to date with the latest by signing up to our newsletter!
Click to join our mailing list!
Why use Chalk fabric?
How to use chalk board fabric
Before first using chalk cloth its recommended you “prime” the fabric by rubbing the side of a chalk crayon over the fabric in one direction and then the other. Repeat once more, wipe clean with a dry, damp or wet cloth and your chalk cloth is ready to be used!
You can use regular chalk crayons or a chalk marker!
What are the benefits of chalk cloth?
- It’s great for re-usable items
- Great for children’s projects
- It is waterproof
- It is quick drying
- It wipes clean
- It is lightweight
- It is portable
- It is durable
Chalk Cloth Fabric is a type of vinyl
Project Ideas For Chalk Cloth
- Gift Tags
- Reusable bunting
- Children’s Place Mats
- Table Cloth
- Table Mat
- Bunting
- Baby Bib
- Gift Bag
- Bag
- Book Cover
- Lunch Box
- Wall Hanging
- Tote Bag
10 Tips For Sewing Chalk Cloth
Chalk Fabric is great but it does need a bit of special handling…
1. Pressing: Do not iron chalk cloth directly. If you must press, test with scraps first. Press using low heat with the chalk cloth sandwiched between cotton fabric.
2. Needle: Use a Universal needle strong enough for the thickness of your fabric. We’d recommend at least a 90/12
3. Stitch Length: Use a longer stitch length 3 – 4mm. I personally like to applique chalk cloth using a wide zig zag stitch.
4. Machine Foot: If you find your machine foot is sticking, try a Teflon foot with the upper tension loosened a little, or if you don’t have one of those, you can place a little Scotch Magic Tape on the base of your regular machine foot.
5. Thread Type: Polyester thread is recommended.
6. Securing: Using pins on chalk cloth can create holes, so using quilting clips is a better option.
7. Cutting: Use domestic scissors (not fabric scissors) or a rotary cutter.
8. Finishing: Chalk cloth is quite bulky to incorporate into a seam, so consider using a walking foot or use it as an appliquéd panel if your sewing machine struggles.
9. Washing and storage: We recommend Chalk Cloth is washed in cold water. Chalk washes off easily, just use a wet cloth or sponge. It is not recommended for machine washing. Try to store flat it is difficult to get rid of creases.
10. Bagging out: If you are bagging out your project, leave a larger opening than you would usually use to accommodate the stiffer, bulkier fabric.
Have you got any other tips for sewing Chalk fabric? Do let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear them.
Never miss another tutorial or guide…
Stay up to date with the latest by signing up to our newsletter!
Click to join our mailing list!
Pin For Later!
We hope you found this tutorial useful! Let us know how you get along in the comments below.
Follow Plush Addict on social media and keep an eye out for more tutorials!