How to Make Your Own Polyurethane Laminate Fabric

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Things You'll Need

  • Iron-on polyurethane laminate such as Heat n’ Bond Iron-on Vinyl

  • Fabric

  • Scissors

  • Iron

  • Pencil

  • Tea towel

A heavy iron can help you create polyurethane laminate fabric.

Polyurethane laminate fabric, also known as oilcloth, is a water-resistant fabric often used for raincoats, lunch bags, diaper covers and even coasters. It is very versatile but the designs it comes in are limited. You can make your own polyurethane laminate fabric at home by using an iron-on polyurethane material. By applying polyurethane laminate, you can turn any decorative fabric into a waterproof material.

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Step 1

Cut your pattern pieces out the fabric for the project you would like to make from polyurethane laminate fabric. Iron the pieces to remove all wrinkles and flatten.

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Step 2

Unroll the iron-on laminate. Place the fabric pieces on top of the laminate's paper backing. Trace around the fabric pieces, adding 1/8 inch to the size of the piece. Cut the pieces out of the laminate.

Step 3

Peel the backing 1 inch off of the piece of laminate. Line it up and place it on top of the fabric's right side (the side with the design). Smooth with your hand to ensure there are no bubbles.

Step 4

Pull the rest of the backing off of the laminate and smooth it onto the fabric piece. Trim any overhanging laminate with your scissors. Apply the laminate to all pieces of fabric using the same procedure.

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Step 5

Cover the fabric pieces with the tea towel. Press over the towel with your iron set on the cotton setting. Do not use steam. Keep the iron moving and press each part of the fabric for a minimum of 8 seconds.

Step 6

Remove the towel. Sew your project as you normally would.

Tip

You can apply the laminate to larger pieces of fabric and then cut out pattern pieces. This does, however, result in wasted laminate when you cut the pieces.

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