Fabric Bases
Here we have details of the fabric bases we offer for pre-order. This is for our custom design prints. Pre-orders run bi-monthly at the end of the month. To make sure you hear about each one, you can join our mailing list.
We aim to choose the best fabric bases for bag making, and we test the bases thoroughly so we can offer as much advice as possible regarding using them in your sewing projects.
We aim to choose the best fabric bases for bag making, and we test the bases thoroughly so we can offer as much advice as possible regarding using them in your sewing projects.
250gsm Water Resistant Cotton Canvas (WRCC):
100% cotton with a protective water resistant coating. This 250gsm (7oz) canvas is suitable for domestic sewing machines. As it's cotton, it has a weave and is soft and flowy like standard canvas. Because it's made of cotton, it doesn't have a plastic feel like many waterproof canvases.
The fabric is protected to create a water resistant finish that allows water to flow off the fabric rather than soaking into it. However, we can't guarantee it as 100% waterproof. At 250gsm, this fabric is thicker than standard quilting cotton, which is usually about 150gsm, but you may still wish to add interfacing to it, depending on the project you're working on.
SEWING: I like to use a universal or Microtex size 90 needle. However, this will differ depending on the sewing machine, the thickness and type of thread, and the other fabrics you're sewing with.
CLEANING: We don't recommend washing this fabric in a machine as standard detergents will reduce it's waterproof coating. Do not tumble dry. If you spill something on the fabric, it will run right off. Simply rinse with water to remove any excess, then hang it to drip dry. If you need to clean the fabric further, spot clean with a damp cloth and a mild soap. Test on an offcut or out of sight area first. If you do decide to wash the fabric, it will lose its waterproof coating with each wash and you'll eventually be left with standard cotton canvas.
UV: This fabric is not UV resistant, so we don't recommend it for items that will be permanently outdoors (such as garden cushions), as the colours may fade with lots of UV exposure.
IRONING: You can iron this fabric and fuse interfacing to it without any issues.
Approximate width: 150cm (59"). Made in: China. Material: 100% Cotton. Weight: 250gsm (7oz). The fabric weights are referred to as GSM: Grams per square metre and Oz: Ounces per square yard.
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285gsm Waterproof Bonded Poly (Poly):
100% polyester. This 285gsm (8.5oz) fabric is suitable for domestic sewing machines. It isn't as thick as the heavy duty WPC many bag makers use. Rather, it still has some drape. As it's made from polyester, it has a smooth, almost shiny, look to it. This, in my opinion, makes it more suited to backpacks, toiletry bags, and other high use items. You may still wish to add interfacing to it, depending on the project you're working on.
SEWING: I like to use a Microtex size 90 needle as the sharper tip works well with this fabric. However, this will differ depending on the sewing machine, the thickness and type of thread, and the other fabrics you're sewing with.
CLEANING: We do not recommend washing this fabric in a machine as standard detergents may affect it. Do not tumble dry. If you spill something on the fabric, it will run right off. Simply rinse with water to remove any excess, then hang it to drip dry. If you need to clean the fabric further, spot clean with a damp cloth and a mild soap. Test on an offcut or out of sight area first.
UV: This fabric is not tested for UV resistance, so we don't recommend it for items that will be permanently outdoors (such as garden cushions), as the colours may fade.
IRONING: If ironing this fabric, or fusing interfacing or stabilisers to it, be sure to do it from the back of the fabric. Always test on an offcut before you begin, to ensure your heat and steam settings are correct and won't damage the fabric.
Approximate width: 137cm (54"). Made in: China. Material: Bonded Polyester. Weight: 285gsm (8.5oz). The fabric weights are referred to as GSM: Grams per square metre and Oz: Ounces per square yard.
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1mm Thick Smooth Shiny Vinyl (Thea):
100% polyester. This vinyl is thicker than our other fabrics. It is suitable for domestic sewing machines up to a maximum of six layers. Any thicker than that, and you will likely struggle on a domestic sewing machine. This vinyl has a smooth, almost shiny, look to it, but it's not sticky or grippy when sewing. I find it easy to sew using a standard presser foot, but you may prefer to use a Teflon foot.
SEWING: I like to use a Microtex size 90 needle as the sharper tip works well with this fabric. However, this will differ depending on the sewing machine, the thickness and type of thread, and the other fabrics you're sewing with.
CLEANING: We do not recommend washing this fabric in a machine as standard detergents may affect it. Do not tumble dry. If you spill something on the fabric, it will run right off. Simply rinse with water to remove any excess, then hang it to drip dry. If you need to clean the fabric further, spot clean with a damp cloth and a mild soap. Test on an offcut or out of sight area first.
UV: This fabric is not tested for UV resistance, so we don't recommend it for items that will be permanently outdoors (such as garden cushions), as the colours may fade.
IRONING: If ironing this fabric, or fusing interfacing or stabilisers to it, be sure to do it from the back of the fabric. Always test on an offcut before you begin, to ensure your heat and steam settings are correct and won't damage the fabric. Do not place heat directly on the face of the fabric.
Approximate width: 137cm (54"). Made in: China. Material: 100% Polyester. Thickness: 1mm.
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0.8mm Matte Vinyl (Arlo):
100% polyester. This vinyl is thinner than our Thea vinyl. It's suitable for domestic sewing machines up to a maximum of eight layers. Any thicker than that, and you will likely struggle on a domestic sewing machine. This vinyl has a matte, textured finish and it's not sticky or grippy when sewing. I find it easy to sew using a standard presser foot, but you may prefer to use a Teflon foot.
SEWING: I like to use a Microtex size 90 needle as the sharper tip works well with this fabric. However, this will differ depending on the sewing machine, the thickness and type of thread, and the other fabrics you're sewing with.
CLEANING: We do not recommend washing this fabric in a machine as standard detergents may affect it. Do not tumble dry. If you spill something on the fabric, it will run right off. Simply rinse with water to remove any excess, then hang it to drip dry. If you need to clean the fabric further, spot clean with a damp cloth and a mild soap. Test on an offcut or out of sight area first.
UV: This fabric is not tested for UV resistance, so we don't recommend it for items that will be permanently outdoors (such as garden cushions), as the colours may fade.
IRONING: If ironing this fabric, or fusing interfacing or stabilisers to it, be sure to do it from the back of the fabric. Always test on an offcut before you begin, to ensure your heat and steam settings are correct and won't damage the fabric. Do not place heat directly on the face of the fabric.
Approximate width: 137cm (54"). Made in: China. Material: 100% Polyester. Thickness: 0.8mm.
100% cotton with a protective water resistant coating. This 250gsm (7oz) canvas is suitable for domestic sewing machines. As it's cotton, it has a weave and is soft and flowy like standard canvas. Because it's made of cotton, it doesn't have a plastic feel like many waterproof canvases.
The fabric is protected to create a water resistant finish that allows water to flow off the fabric rather than soaking into it. However, we can't guarantee it as 100% waterproof. At 250gsm, this fabric is thicker than standard quilting cotton, which is usually about 150gsm, but you may still wish to add interfacing to it, depending on the project you're working on.
SEWING: I like to use a universal or Microtex size 90 needle. However, this will differ depending on the sewing machine, the thickness and type of thread, and the other fabrics you're sewing with.
CLEANING: We don't recommend washing this fabric in a machine as standard detergents will reduce it's waterproof coating. Do not tumble dry. If you spill something on the fabric, it will run right off. Simply rinse with water to remove any excess, then hang it to drip dry. If you need to clean the fabric further, spot clean with a damp cloth and a mild soap. Test on an offcut or out of sight area first. If you do decide to wash the fabric, it will lose its waterproof coating with each wash and you'll eventually be left with standard cotton canvas.
UV: This fabric is not UV resistant, so we don't recommend it for items that will be permanently outdoors (such as garden cushions), as the colours may fade with lots of UV exposure.
IRONING: You can iron this fabric and fuse interfacing to it without any issues.
Approximate width: 150cm (59"). Made in: China. Material: 100% Cotton. Weight: 250gsm (7oz). The fabric weights are referred to as GSM: Grams per square metre and Oz: Ounces per square yard.
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285gsm Waterproof Bonded Poly (Poly):
100% polyester. This 285gsm (8.5oz) fabric is suitable for domestic sewing machines. It isn't as thick as the heavy duty WPC many bag makers use. Rather, it still has some drape. As it's made from polyester, it has a smooth, almost shiny, look to it. This, in my opinion, makes it more suited to backpacks, toiletry bags, and other high use items. You may still wish to add interfacing to it, depending on the project you're working on.
SEWING: I like to use a Microtex size 90 needle as the sharper tip works well with this fabric. However, this will differ depending on the sewing machine, the thickness and type of thread, and the other fabrics you're sewing with.
CLEANING: We do not recommend washing this fabric in a machine as standard detergents may affect it. Do not tumble dry. If you spill something on the fabric, it will run right off. Simply rinse with water to remove any excess, then hang it to drip dry. If you need to clean the fabric further, spot clean with a damp cloth and a mild soap. Test on an offcut or out of sight area first.
UV: This fabric is not tested for UV resistance, so we don't recommend it for items that will be permanently outdoors (such as garden cushions), as the colours may fade.
IRONING: If ironing this fabric, or fusing interfacing or stabilisers to it, be sure to do it from the back of the fabric. Always test on an offcut before you begin, to ensure your heat and steam settings are correct and won't damage the fabric.
Approximate width: 137cm (54"). Made in: China. Material: Bonded Polyester. Weight: 285gsm (8.5oz). The fabric weights are referred to as GSM: Grams per square metre and Oz: Ounces per square yard.
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1mm Thick Smooth Shiny Vinyl (Thea):
100% polyester. This vinyl is thicker than our other fabrics. It is suitable for domestic sewing machines up to a maximum of six layers. Any thicker than that, and you will likely struggle on a domestic sewing machine. This vinyl has a smooth, almost shiny, look to it, but it's not sticky or grippy when sewing. I find it easy to sew using a standard presser foot, but you may prefer to use a Teflon foot.
SEWING: I like to use a Microtex size 90 needle as the sharper tip works well with this fabric. However, this will differ depending on the sewing machine, the thickness and type of thread, and the other fabrics you're sewing with.
CLEANING: We do not recommend washing this fabric in a machine as standard detergents may affect it. Do not tumble dry. If you spill something on the fabric, it will run right off. Simply rinse with water to remove any excess, then hang it to drip dry. If you need to clean the fabric further, spot clean with a damp cloth and a mild soap. Test on an offcut or out of sight area first.
UV: This fabric is not tested for UV resistance, so we don't recommend it for items that will be permanently outdoors (such as garden cushions), as the colours may fade.
IRONING: If ironing this fabric, or fusing interfacing or stabilisers to it, be sure to do it from the back of the fabric. Always test on an offcut before you begin, to ensure your heat and steam settings are correct and won't damage the fabric. Do not place heat directly on the face of the fabric.
Approximate width: 137cm (54"). Made in: China. Material: 100% Polyester. Thickness: 1mm.
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0.8mm Matte Vinyl (Arlo):
100% polyester. This vinyl is thinner than our Thea vinyl. It's suitable for domestic sewing machines up to a maximum of eight layers. Any thicker than that, and you will likely struggle on a domestic sewing machine. This vinyl has a matte, textured finish and it's not sticky or grippy when sewing. I find it easy to sew using a standard presser foot, but you may prefer to use a Teflon foot.
SEWING: I like to use a Microtex size 90 needle as the sharper tip works well with this fabric. However, this will differ depending on the sewing machine, the thickness and type of thread, and the other fabrics you're sewing with.
CLEANING: We do not recommend washing this fabric in a machine as standard detergents may affect it. Do not tumble dry. If you spill something on the fabric, it will run right off. Simply rinse with water to remove any excess, then hang it to drip dry. If you need to clean the fabric further, spot clean with a damp cloth and a mild soap. Test on an offcut or out of sight area first.
UV: This fabric is not tested for UV resistance, so we don't recommend it for items that will be permanently outdoors (such as garden cushions), as the colours may fade.
IRONING: If ironing this fabric, or fusing interfacing or stabilisers to it, be sure to do it from the back of the fabric. Always test on an offcut before you begin, to ensure your heat and steam settings are correct and won't damage the fabric. Do not place heat directly on the face of the fabric.
Approximate width: 137cm (54"). Made in: China. Material: 100% Polyester. Thickness: 0.8mm.
