Maybe you already know: I LOVE rainbows and pencils! So much that some time ago I purchased some pencil images and I printed them on fabric, using Spoonflower’s service.
Now, I hardly have the heart to cut into that fabric! And I would love to keep these vibrant colors forever! So that I thought to laminate some fabric and I made a laminate pouch.
I used this easy pattern and quickly stitched a pouch in a generous size.
For laminating fabric I used a product called Pellon Lamifix- it’s a transparent film that you fuse on fabric with the iron. Because of its transparency, it is a little harder to measure and cut it.
There are similar products (Pellon Vinyl Fuse) with a removable paper backing – they must be easier to use.
IMPORTANT TIP!
The film fuses nicely and easily to fabric, with the help of a pressing cloth.
ALWAYS clean up the surface of the fabric just before applying the film – use a lint roller for this; don’t ask how I learned this!
While you sew and manipulate the fabric, the plastic film wrinkles a little (especially when you turn the pouch from one side to the other). When the pouch is finished, you have to use a pressing cloth and give the pouch a final pressing.
For best results, press with the lining and outer pouch separated as shown below (I laminated the lining too).
The laminated fabric is great for makeup pouches, placemats, baby bibs; as the fabric is waterproof, you can just wipe it down with a damp cloth.
This pattern is very simple and it was easy to sew…
… but a few years ago I made a double zipper pouch too- totally laminated (I used this pattern).
Two pouches in one! My sister still uses it, after years of use.
Have you tried to laminate your own fabric?
Happy sewing!
Related patterns:
Little Wonders – pouch patterns
Twice as Nice – double zippered pouch pattern
Pouch Pattern Bundle
Jeepers, have I laminated fabric before? I didn’t even know this existed. Wow! Thank you for sharing. My mind is a creative mess with all of the ways in could use this product. Thanks for the inspiration.
You’re welcome, Colleen! With all the pretty fabric out there, the possibilities are endless.
I laminated fabric by using linseed oil. I painted it on the fabric and let it dry. It was awesome. If you decide to do this, be sure to do it on a still day. Otherwise, you’ll have dust and debree (spelling), on your fabric.
Not good to do on a mowing day. Don’t ask how I know. LOL
Thank you for sharing your experience, Deborah.
Wondering…how would it work if the item was already made? For instance a placemat. Going to have to try this. Thanks for the post.
The fabric must be perfectly flat, Ingrid; if the placemats are quilted, as an example, it doesn’t work.
Thank you so much for this great idea. I just made a pencil pouch for my friends daughter and was thinking that it will get dirty very easy. This afternoon I will have to go shopping!!
Thank you and have a womderful New Year.
Wishes from Colorado
Dagmar
Yes, the laminated fabric is great for such projects, Dagmar.
Happy New Year!
I love this idea!!! I found a roll of the laminate in my stash a month ago. I have absolutely no idea where it came from or why I bought it or how I ended up with it, but now I am anxious to use it. Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you so much for this idea. I had no idea you could buy laminate and do it yourself, (other than the heavier vinyl) and the laminated fabric is not only expensive but comes in very limited patterns. I will be looking for this when I shop.
Thanks Geta!! Your ideas really inspire. I will certainly try this as I have my 1st grandchild on it’s way. Hope you have an awesome 2017 and keep that inspiration coming.
Warm regards xxx
I had no idea that this could be done. I can’t wait to try it! However, glad that I saw the comment about not being able to use this on quilted items–heck! Thanks, Geta.
Hi Geta,
I love the idea of laminated fabrics, but I really want to make pieced, quilted placemats. As you said, the fabric needs to be flat, no quilting. I keep shying away from placemats or table toppers because they get food stains. I can’t even think how upset I would be to spend all that time on special placemats only to have them ruined. Does something like Scotchguard work well enough?
Hi Lynnanne!
I have never used ScotchGuardș. I see it has good reviews, you have to try it.
I keep my quilted pieces away from the kitchen! And if they stay there, it’s only for decor! I take good care even of my coasters!
Thank you for sharing with us. I love all your work. : )
I HAVE LAMINATED FABRIC BEFORE i USED THE LAMINATING MACHINE AT THE SCHOOL WHERE I TAUGHT. I WOULD CUT OUT THE FABRIC AND USE IT ON MY BULLETIN BOARDS.
i WISH I HAD TAKEN PICTURES. THEY ALWAYS WERE SO COLORFUL. I NEVER THOUGHT OF MAKING BAGS . I RETIRED SO I DON’T HAVE THE MACHINE AT MY FINGER TIPS.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WONDERFUL IDEAS