Caring for & working with this fabric:
We like to use Microtex or Super Universal size 90-110 (14-18) needles on this fabric. Both of these type of needles have a non-stick coating that allows the needle to glide through the faux leather without gripping it. Do not use genuine leather needles as they don't work on faux leather.
Our favourite thread to use with this faux leather is Tex 40, which is strong but still suitable for use in the bobbin of a domestic sewing machine.
Do not use an iron or other heat source directly on the face of the faux leather. You can iron it from the back side, or if the face of the fabric is covered. But always test this on an offcut first to check that your iron isn't too hot and works well with this particular fabric.
Treat your fabric with care. Pulling consistently on the fabric or trying to tear it will cause stretching and leave marks on the fabric. Use an interfacing or stabiliser to strengthen the fabric in high stress areas that will experience lots of tugging or pulling.
Do not use pins with this fabric as holes will not "heal". When using clips on the fabric, an imprint/dent will be left for some time after the clips are removed. Don't leave clips or other items on the fabric for more than 24 hours as it will cause deep impressions in the fabric. These should fade over time but if they haven't disappeared after 24 hours, you can use warmth to remove them, such as a hair dryer on a low heat setting, at a safe distance. Do not get heat too close to the fabric as it is not tested for fire resistance.
If using erasable leather fabric pens, always test on an offcut first to make sure that it works well with this particular fabric and erases easily.
This fabric is suitable for sewing on a domestic sewing machine, up to a certain number of layers. I would recommend 6 layers as the maximum for most domestic sewing machines. Ensure you are using the correct needle, usually a Microtex or Super Universal size 90-110 (14-18) depending on the number of layers you are using. A walking food helps to keep the fabric feeding evenly through your machine. Or some preer to use a Teflon foot to ensure the fabric doesn't grip to the presser foot.
When working with lots of layers (6+ layers), ensure you reduce the pressure on your presser foot and feed dogs, or cover the feed dogs under the faux leather to prevent damage.
This fabric is fairly malleable and can be turned right sides out for most bags, provided the turning gap is appropriately sized for the bag.
The fabric works well with a variety of interfacing and stabilisers. We have tested it with G700 interfacing, Flexi-Fuse stabiliser, and Firm-Fuse stabiliser, all of which adhered well to the back of the fabric and stayed stuck after turning the bag.
This fabric is not tested for UV. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Not tested for fire resistance, so keep away from heat and fire. Spot clean lightly using a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not rub, but instead use a circular motion to gently clean toward the centre of any stains. Do not wash or tumble dry. Dry clean only.
Feedback from our product testers:
Sharon: "Thank you for trusting me to test a new fabric 💕. I love it, it feels so soft, the colour is rich, and it’s great to work with. My HD9 had no problem with it, even topstitching bulky seams was ok. The only problem I found was it sticking to the sewing machine and feed dogs, it doesn’t glide too well, but I just lifted it off the base slightly with my left hand and all was well. It’s turned out great."
Pip: "I've made the Spencer Ogg Magic Middle Bucket Bag with the green faux suede. I wasn't sure Id like it at first. It felt a bit rubbery to the touch and not particularly 'suedey' with hardly any 'nap'. But it turned out really well and it sewed beautifully."
Rhiannon: "Jo asked me if I’d test this faux and I love it ,sews beautifully, I would recommend a Teflon or walking foot. It’s thicker than mora. Decovil light adheres to it well and it seems to cope with heat well. Maybe a slight stretch sewing left to right so basting should be done in the same direction if possible . Nice mottled effect making it look vintage or distressed and has an almost suede like feel."
Pauline: "I've just finished making the Spencer Ogg Magic Middle Bucket Bag using the beautiful free sample of white faux leather that you sent me. Thank you so much for the opportunity. I found it very easy to sew with - the closeup of the strap topstitching shows so good I found sewing with it 😊" [Photo above showing the half and half bucket bag when you select "white silver" colour.]
Milena: "This faux is a joy to cut. It doesn't slip all over the place, it's very easy to cut with precision. It makes a very satisfying noise when you cut it and sew. I like it topstitched with a 5 because it didn't look as good with my usual topstitch length of 4.5."
"It takes edge painting really well. I used base paint and top coat several layers. Although I have zero experience in edge painting, I loved using it on this faux."
"When going through four layers of faux plus Fast-Fuse and Decovil Heavy, I found I had to bring my machine tension almost up to the max. Otherwise I would get a very un-pretty bobbin thread side."
Usable width: 140cm [55"].
With very little shine, and a textured appearance, it looks beautiful and will give your handmade bag a really high end look. There is a slight two-way stretch running across the width (selvage to selvage).
Made in China.
UK Customers: Free Tracked 48 delivery for UK orders over £60.
Choose from Royal Mail Tracked 24 (1 day) or Tracked 48 (2-3 days). Insured for loss in transit (after 10 working days).
USA Customers: Fixed cost shipping calculated at checkout depending on the weight of your order. Tariffs are included so there is nothing to pay on delivery. Royal Mail Tracked (1-2 weeks).
EU Customers: We are unable to sell physical products EU customers through our website. Please visit our Etsy shop: https://countrycowdesigns.etsy.com
Other Countries (Canada, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand): Import fees, taxes and handling fees are not included in the delivery cost and are specific to your country. Please check the import rules for your country before placing an order as you, the customer, are responsible for paying any applicable fees on delivery. Fixed cost shipping calculated at checkout based on your order weight. Royal Mail International (tracked where available, 1-3 weeks). For other countries, please email us at shop@countrycowdesigns.com and we'll see if we can help.
RETURNS
NOT HAPPY WITH SOMETHING?
It’s important to us that you’re happy with your purchase, but if for any reason you’re not happy with your products simply email us at shop@countrycowdesigns.com within 60 days of receiving your package and request a return. Or you can send us a Whatsapp message 07518142548 (+447518142548 if you’re outside the UK). This is your “right of withdrawal”. Items must be returned at your expense, within 90 days of receipt for a full refund. We recommend that you obtain proof of postage or tracking when returning your items as we can’t guarantee receipt of your order.
To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase. The simplest way to provide this is to reply to the original order confirmation email. To qualify for a refund, your products must be returned unused and in a re-saleable condition. Once we’ve inspected the returned items, we’ll refund you within 7 days. The refund will be processed to the same payment source used for purchase. In certain circumstances, we will only grant a partial refund. This includes where any item is not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error, or any item that is returned more than 90 days after delivery.
When you cancel or return your order, we incur costs that are not refunded to us such as payment processing fees and postage costs. As a small business, these costs negatively impact us so please check measurements and read product details thoroughly before purchasing. If you have any questions before ordering, feel free to send us an email.
If you haven’t received a refund when expected, we recommend contacting your bank or credit card provider. Please bear in mind, it can take several days for your bank to process the refund and show it in your account.
If you’ve done this and you still have not received your refund 7 working days after you were notified of your refund, please contact us.
DAMAGED, FAULTY OR MISSING ITEMS?
If you think you’ve received an item that’s damaged, faulty, or otherwise incorrect, please contact us straight away by emailing us at shop@countrycowdesigns.com with a photo and description of the fault. Or whatsapp message us on 07518142548 (+447518142548 if you’re outside the UK). We will get back to you within 24 hours to resolve the issue (usually quicker).
If we’ve sent you the wrong item, we’ll let you keep it at no cost, and we'll also send you the correct item.
If you believe an item is missing, please check the packaging thoroughly and unpack your entire order. We like to do our bit to help the planet and that means reducing packaging and space. To achieve this, we often roll items within each other. For example, if you’ve ordered 2 x 1 metre cuts of zip tape and 1 metre of webbing, we’ll roll them together in one bag. If your order is completely unpacked and you’re certain an item is missing, please email us at shop@countrycowdesigns.com or whatsapp message us on 07518142548 (+447518142548 if you’re outside the UK).
Important Safety Information:
- Flammability Risk: This fabric is not flame-retardant and has not been tested to meet flammability standards (e.g., EN 1103 or EN 13772). It should not be used in applications where flame resistance is required. It is easily flammable.
- Unsuitable for Children’s Products: This fabric is not suitable for use in products intended for infants or children, including but not limited to: Clothing for babies or young children; Bedding, blankets, or sleepwear;, Toys or soft furnishings for nurseries
- Non-Food Grade Material: Our fabrics are NOT food-grade and should not be used in direct contact with unwrapped food items or for any purpose where ingestion is possible.
- Not for Medical Use: These fabrics are not sterilized or designed for medical applications.
- Choking & Inhalation Hazards (if cut or frayed): Small fibres or threads may become loose during handling or sewing. Keep out of reach of young children and pets to avoid ingestion or inhalation.
- Strangulation Hazard (Long Strips/Loops): Long strips of fabric or loops created during the manufacturing process could pose a strangulation risk, especially for young children. Keep away from children and exercise caution when handling long lengths of fabric.
- Allergies/Skin Irritation: While rare, some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to certain fabric types, dyes, or finishes, potentially causing skin irritation. Check the fabric composition noted above for any of your known allergies. Wash your hands after handling raw fabric if you experience any discomfort. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
- Dust/Lint Inhalation: Cutting and sewing fabric can release fine dust particles and lint, which may cause respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Work in a well-ventilated area. Consider wearing a dust mask, especially when working with large quantities of fabric or when sensitive to dust. Regularly clean your workspace to minimize dust accumulation. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
- Chemical Residues (Minor): Fabrics may contain chemicals from the manufacturing and dyeing processes. While typically within safe limits for textile use, direct ingestion or prolonged skin contact for highly sensitive individuals could theoretically be an issue. Wash your hands after handling raw fabric, especially before eating. If you or your customers have extreme sensitivities, pre-washing the fabric before use should be considered. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
- Use Only as Intended: This fabric is supplied as a raw material. It is the responsibility of the end user to ensure that any product made with this fabric complies with all relevant safety standards and regulations applicable in the final use context.
- Safe Use Recommendations: Store in a dry, cool place, away from open flames or heat sources. Pre-wash the fabric before use to remove any residues or loose fibres. Use appropriate tools and protective equipment when cutting, sewing, or handling. Dispose of scraps responsibly and keep your workspace free from loose threads or frayed edges.
- Packaging: We often package fabrics in plastic bags to keep them dry and clean during transit. To avoid danger of suffocation, keep plastic bags away from children and babies.
Legal Notice: This fabric is provided “as is” without warranties or guarantees of suitability for any particular purpose. By purchasing and using this product, the buyer acknowledges and accepts the associated risks and limitations. This product safety sheet is intended to provide general guidance and recommendations for the safe handling and use of our fabric products. It does not replace the need for bag makers to conduct their own risk assessments for their specific manufacturing processes and finished products.