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Fabrics 101: Embroidering on Vinyl / Oilcloth

It's fun, funky, and unexpected. If you 're looking for a super slick idea for your next project, try embroidering on vinyl!

Vinyl fabric (also called PVC, and yes, it 's a softer version of the material used for pipes) may be a lot different from most fabrics you embroider, but despite its plastic makeup, it works in pretty much the same way. Try using it for purses and bags, upholstery, jackets, aprons, and anything you want to be waterproof. It has the same makeup as oilcloth that's used on picnic tables, so follow the same steps!

Choosing Your Materials

FABRIC: There are a few different kinds of vinyl fabrics on the market, usually found in the home decor section of your fabric store. Many (such as the one pictured here) feature a moderately thick layer of vinyl, backed by a knit fabric. Surfaces range from smooth and slick, to textured for upholstery, to realistically leather-like pleather. Modern oilcloth is similar to these materials, with a layer of clear vinyl over a visible woven cotton fabric.

Clear vinyl fabrics are also available, but these generally aren't good to embroider on, because the needle creates perforations that make the vinyl tear easily. (In fact, because of this, we've even used thin clear vinyl as a non-water-soluble topping!)

DESIGN: When backed with knit fabric, vinyl is strong, so it can handle a wide range of designs. While it's too thick to pucker, because vinyl is a bit stretchy, very large or heavy designs may cause a subtle warping of the fabric. You can help avoid this by choosing designs with open areas, using a sturdy stabilizer, hooping firmly with even tension, and using the smallest hoop possible for your design.

NEEDLE: Use a 75/11 sharp sewing needle to get a crisp-looking design with minimally visible perforations.

STABILIZER: Use a medium-weight cutaway stabilizer, attached to the back of your vinyl with temporary spray adhesive. This is essential because while vinyl is thick and heavy, it's stretchy. A sturdy cutaway stabilizer will help keep the embroidery from warping the vinyl.

Embroidering on Vinyl

HOOPING: Spray a piece of medium-weight cutaway stabilizer generously with temporary spray adhesive, then smooth the vinyl on top. Hoop the two layers together as tightly and evenly as possible.

Embroider the design.

FINISHING: Your vinyl is embroidered! Cut away the excess stabilizer and keep constructing your project.

Light, open designs such as Simply Birds and Blossoms, pictured here, work well with vinyl because they won't warp it too much. A matte surface such as the one on this vinyl also helps camouflage any warping that may occur with heavier designs, because light won't reflect as much to highlight any ups and downs.

This red, glittery vinyl has a smooth, shiny surface that catches the light. It'd be great fun to use on a classic diner chair! We couldn't resist embellishing it with these retro Christmas ornaments.

We've used vinyl in several Embroidery Library projects, including a poker caddy and a toy drum. It's also great for purses and bags, upholstery, jackets, aprons, and lots more! For further inspiration, check out some vinyl projects in the Stitchers' Showcase.

Enjoy stitching on this fantastic plastic!