How to Sew Neoprene

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Neoprene is a water and temperature-resistant material that is used in a variety of products. Scuba gear, orthopedic braces, mouse pads, can coolers and laptop bags are just some of the items made from neoprene. Varying in thickness from 0.5 mm to over 7 mm, neoprene can present a challenge for the home sewing machine. Here are some tips on sewing neoprene.

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Sewing machine

  • Walking (dual-feed) foot

  • Size 16/100 jean/denim needle

  • Heavy-duty nylon or 100% polyester thread

  • Neoprene fabric

  • Pattern

  • Fabric pencil

  • T-pins

  • Rotary cutter and cutting mat or sewing shears

Video of the Day

Step 1

Lay neoprene fabric on a clean, flat working surface. Attach the pattern to the fabric using T-pins. For thicker pieces of neoprene, it may be easier to trace around the pattern with your fabric pencil, remove the pattern piece and then cut. Once you've pinned all the pattern pieces, cut out each piece. Use the fabric pencil to mark all notches and other pattern requirements on each piece.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Attach the walking foot to your sewing machine. This type of foot allows for a more even feed and prevents slippage during stitching. Insert a 16/100 jean/denim needle into the needle casing. Smaller, weaker needles will cause tangles and break during stitching because they are not sharp enough to pierce through the layers of neoprene. Wind two or three bobbins and thread your machine with 100% polyester or heavy-duty nylon thread.

Advertisement

Step 3

Set tension and stitch length and work on a scrap piece first in order to find the best settings for your machine. Longer stitches work best with neoprene, and a looser tension will prevent tangles, or nesting, on the bottom of the fabric.

Step 4

Begin construction, following pattern or design requirements. Lay pieces together so that edges are even and all markings or notches are aligned correctly. Hold the two pieces of fabric with even pressure, making sure not to stretch the pieces as you feed them through the machine.

Tip

An industrial sewing machine is recommended for neoprene that is thicker than 4 mm. Use a fabric glue to glue seams together, before stitching, for added durability. Experiment with different stitches (zig zag, double) to learn which works best with your pattern and your machine.

Advertisement

references & resources

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...