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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.
You will learn how to use Odicoat fabric coating gel in this tutorial. In addition, we will be guiding you on its various benefits and uses.
Ever found the perfect fabric with the wrong composition for your project? If the missing element was waterproofing then we have discovered a brilliant solution; Odicoat. This clever gel gives fabrics a waterproof coating that is machine washable.
This isn’t the only use for this clever product, Odicoat also works as a fabric glue; Fabric can be applied to objects for decorative purposes.
There are a few ways to waterproof fabrics, depending on the finish you are looking for.
Below you’ll find both a video tutorial on how to use Odicoat fabric coating gel as well as a more detailed photo tutorial so you can learn all about Odicoat! We hope you this post helpful.. Do let us know in the comments.
You’ll also find a cheeky discount code for your next Odicoat purchase at the end of the tutorial…
Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here
1 coat – the fabric is protected, water repellent, with a matt finish
2 coats – the fabric is coated, with a gloss finish
3 coats – the fabric is waterproofed, with a high gloss finish
You will need:
Here we used:
1. Before cutting fabrics to size, in case of shrinkage, apply the Odicoat to the right side of the fabric: Place your fabric right side up on a protected surface (greaseproof or plastic sheeting are ideal)
2. Using the card provided spread a thin layer of Odicoat onto the fabric; start from one corner and work outwards. Go back over the fabric with the card spreading out any thick patches/ streaks. Avoid moving the fabric until it is dry to prevent Odicoat getting onto the wrong side
3. Wait until the Odicoat is touch dry (20 to 30 minutes), cover with greaseproof and dry iron, heat setting 1/satin
4. Apply a second coat, as per steps 2. And 3. A third coat can be applied if required
5. Allow 24 hours for the Odicoat to cure fully then carefully peel the fabric off
Odicoat can be used to stick fabric to wood, cardboard, metal, glass, ceramic, pottery, Styrofoam and stone. Once applied the Odicoat will give a water-resistant, satin finish:
1. Apply Odicoat to the back of the fabric being adhered with a flat brush
2. Position the fabric on the chosen surface
3. Apply another coat of Odicoat over the fabric
4. Wait 1 hour
5. Apply a second coat (optional)
6. Wait 24 hours
Check out our video below!
Sewing a buttonhole might look a little intimidating at first, but with this handy step by step guide, you will learn how to sew a buttonhole. As a result, you’ll be sewing on buttons with ease!
We’ve even included some troubleshooting tips…
Don’t miss the video showing you this technique which you can view at the end of the photo tutorial…
Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here
1.. Every sewing machine varies in terms of the settings needed but the basic principles remain the same. Check the machine manual for how to set up the machine.
It will most likely advise the need for a buttonhole foot (not essential but makes it easier to track progress), the stitch selection needed and a tension adjustment (mark the normal tension setting with a sharpie/ take a picture for resetting the machine after)
For irregular shaped buttons; buttons pass through the hole from any direction so a narrower measurement can be used provided the button isn’t excessively long. If a longer measurement is used the button may come undone in use. If in doubt, practice on a scrap of fabric first.
3. Mark the length of the button parallel to the placket edge, central to a placement mark
Button holes allow movement; the direction of the hole is determined by the most likely direction the fastened button needs to move. The foot of a duvet won’t move much, therefore the button holes are positioned for best fit.
4. Extend the button hole line by approx. 2mm top and bottom to allow room for the top and bottom closing bar
5. Prepare the machine to sew a button hole, then wind the hand wheel until the needle is positioned to the inside of the button hole (the right)
6. Position the placket under the presser foot. Line up the front of a button hole marking under the needle. Move the hand wheel until the needle is in the fabric at the front of the marked line
7. Begin sewing the first part of the button hole; the column of small zig zag stitches on the left side. The fabric will move forwards instead of backwards. Stop sewing when the other end of the marked line is reached.
When sewing ensure the stitches run straight and follow alongside the marked line; this can be the trickiest part of sewing a button hole. The fabric will move slowly, do not be tempted to pull the fabric to speed it up, the stitches need to be close together, hence the fabric moving a small amount each time the needle raises.
8. With the needle raised, set the machine to sew the 2nd part of the button hole; the closing bar
9. Sew 4 stitches for the bar, forming the wider stitches that span the top of the button hole
10. With the needle raised, set the machine to sew the 3rd part of the button hole; the right column
11. Sew along the other side of the marked line, the fabric will move backwards. Follow alongside the marked line and don’t let the stitches overlap the 1st column
12. With the needle raised, set the machine to sew the 4th part of the button hole; the closing bar
13. Sew 4 stitches for the bar, forming the wider stitches that span the bottom of the button hole
14. With the needle raised, set the machine to sew the final, and easily forgotten, part of the button hole; lock stitch.
15. Sew 3 or 4 stitches to secure the thread ends then cast off.
16. Repeat for the other button holes, then reset the machine for normal sewing.
17. There are a number of ways to do this, with any method take care to avoid cutting through any stitches.
Before cutting a buttonhole place a button between the closing bars to check the button hole for size, if the buttonhole is too big/ small see the troubleshooting tips below.
Once the buttonhole is opened any loose threads can be trimmed
18. Test the button fits through the finished buttonhole.
57. Check each button position mark lines up with the centre of the corresponding button hole
58. Sew the buttons on
We hope you found this tutorial useful.
Let us know how you get along in the comments below!
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Do you have questions about canvas fabric? Is it Canvas, Canevas or Cannapaceus?
We can just about pronounce cannapaceus without getting confuddled!
For ease (and mental overload) let’s stick with canvas.
Canvas is a durable cotton fabric with a tight, plain weave and a 2 ply yarn.
It sometimes feels a little rough to touch because of the fibrous parts of the cotton, linen, flax or hemp plants that are used to form the yarn and the resulting thread isn’t usually combed.
We recommend giving your hands a good moisture after you’re done sewing if your project is heavy on canvas fabric!
Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here
CANVAS-SAVING-10
Use the code above at checkout for 10% off.
While the earliest known evidence of canvas comes from ancient India around 1500 B.C. The name came later when production spread to Europe in the eighth century.
The word ‘canvas’ is from the old French canevas, which may have roots in the Latin ‘cannapaceus’, meaning “made of hemp”. (did you skip over cannapaceus reading this in your head?!)
Originally popular with sailmakers due to its natural resistance to water; popularity grew in the 16th century when painters found it to be a more versatile surface than wood and plaster (frescoes). Canvas was a cheaper and readily available alternative!
Denim has a similar feel to canvas, though the 2 can be identified by the weave; denim has a twill weave, resulting in quite different properties. Sometimes referred to as ‘duck’, though duck has a tighter weave and slightly heavier feel.
Canvas has many uses in the modern world thanks to how versatile it is! Canvas is a sturdy fabric with little drape so its best suited for projects that need structure.
When planning sewing projects canvas is ideal for:
Wondering what needle you need for sewing canvas? Or stitch length? Check out our top tips on sewing canvas :
Canvas Bag
The manufacturing process uses a lot of chemicals which is a shame as it gives canvas a higher environmental impact, although there are some organic & PVC free options available. It’s still a tricky one for environmentally friendly seam-stars.
That said – taking its environmental impact into account, canvas projects with longevity are a more conscientious choice for the fabric than fast fashion items.
We Hope you found this fabric guide helpful and it gives you some guidance on how to use canvas fabric!
Hop over to the website if you’re in need of some versatile canvas fabric or pin this guide for later
Are there any other fabrics you’d like to see guides for? Let us know in the comments 🙂
Follow Plush Addict on social media and keep an eye out for more tutorials. Please tag us @PlushAddict on your fave social media channel… we’d love to see your makes!