What is Vlieseline Decovil Interlining?

by Kellie Rose | May 14, 2021 | Fabric Guides, Haberdashery Guides, My Makes, Product Guides, Tutorials

Have you heard of Vlieseline Decovil? Wondering what this interlining can be used for? Our product guide will explain what Decovil Interlining is, how to apply it, and what projects it’s best suited for.

Vlieseline have a HUGE range of interlinings & interfacings that can add structure to your projects (you can explore the full range of Vlieseline products in our online haberdashery here) .

Say hello to Vlieseline Decovil!

Decovil is part of the Vlieseline Creative Range and it’s an interlining which adds amazing structure & strength to projects, whilst keeping your project light, pliable & crisp.

It feels like leather to the touch, but it has the added bonus that it’s easier to sew than leather – happy days!

Decovil Interlining

One side of Decovil is shiny and the other side is matt. The shiny side is adhesive and can be adhered onto fabric using an iron & a damp cloth – this is super handy so you don’t have to sew in the Decovil to your fabric.

Decovil is available in 2 weight options

Decovil I is the “original” Decovil interfacing- it’s thicker and heavier. Great for things like bag bottoms, storage boxes, zipper pouches etc…

Decovil Light, as the name suggests, is a lighter weight & thinner version of the original Decovil. It’s also softer.

Which to choose? Depending on your project and desired outcome but if, for example, you were making a bag you might choose to use Decovil I for the main body of your bag but for the bag handles choose Decovil I Light because you have a lot of layers to sew through.

Check out this little video which will hopefully give you an idea about how Decovil handles and moves

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The Benefits of Decovil Interlining

We’re a little bit in love with Decovil here at Plush Addict! Here’s some reasons why

It’s resistant to tearing and bending
Decovil gives structure
Gives a smooth, sleek finish
It’s Easy to shape
Decovil doesn’t crease easily – and if it does, it’s easy to restore
Helps reduce fraying
Adds durability to your project
Decovil can be pierced
It sews easily
Has a fusible coating on one side
It’s washable at 30 degrees

Check out our The Ultimate Vlieseline At-A-Glance Guide for more info on Vliseline’s Interfacings

When To Use Decovil

Decovil is really versatile but to give you an idea, you can use it in projects such as

Placemats
Bags
Belts
Book & Notebook Covers
Zipper Pouches
Hats
Interior decorations
Small baskets

Decovil also makes a great alternative to wadding if you’re making placemats and gives a smooth and sleek look to the finished item. Check out our video:

Check out the suggestions on the Vlieseline site below for some free projects using Decovil

How to apply Decovil

It’s a cinch! Applying Decovil will be familiar – it’s very similar to applying other types of interlining and interfacing:

Spread a smooth surfaced tea towel/ spare length of cotton over an ironing board
Place your outer fabric right side down
Position the Decovil shiny side down so it is on top of the wrong side of your fabric
Cover with a damp cloth and press for roughly 6 seconds
Allow the adhesive to cool and cure for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the adhesive to stick properly

Grab a cheeky 10% discount on your next Decovil purchase with DECOVIL10. One time use per customer.

Projects Ideas Using Decovil

Check out our Free notebook project which uses Decovil here

The Vlieseline Blog has some fab & FREE tutorials using the Decovil range.

Have a nosy at:

On The Go Multi Bag free project using Decovil from Vlieseline

Slippers free project using Decovil from Vlieseline

A Doll’s House free project using Decovil from Vlieseline

Clam Shell Wedding Favours free project using Decovil from Vlieseline

Other Useful Info About Vlieseline Decovil

If you’re not planning on laundering your project, Decovil can be painted! Use watered down acrylic paint and be sure to paint on the matt side

Decovil can also be painted using fabric dye on the adhesive (shiny) side. Watch out here though – the nature of the fibres may well cause dye to spread from the point where it is applied. Make sure you test before hand…

Want to try Decovil for the first time?

Grab a cheeky 10% discount on your next Decovil purchase with DECOVIL10. One time use per customer.

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A Guide To Fat Quarters

by Kellie Rose | May 10, 2021 | Fabric, Fabric Guides, Fabric Information Guide, My Makes, Product Guides, Tutorials

So you see a new fabric collection and you’re like…

I LOVE IT

…but how much of it do I need? Can I afford them all? I can’t possibly choose!

Oh yeah, we totally get you.

This is why we offer fat quarter bundles so you can love it, make it & keep it!

Watch our video then check out the written guide below for the full fat-quarter lowdown!

What is a fat quarter?

You might have seen FQ on a tutorial and you’re like… what?!

FQ stands for fat quarter, which is a piece of pre-cut fabric that is made by cutting half a metre of the full fabric width from the bolt and then cut in half vertically, hence ‘quarters’. Most quilting fabrics are 44”/110cm wide, which makes fat quarters around 50cm x 55cm.

Are all fat quarters the same?

Due to the term ‘fat quarter’ being all about the width, you may find some are different. This especially applies to American fat quarters, as they cut by the yard, which means you’ll find American fat quarters are a little shorter at around 56cm x 46cm.

What size is a fat quarter?

The term ‘fat’ quarter refers to how it’s cut. Technically it is a quarter of a metre, however if you asked for a quarter of a metre at a fabric shop, they would probably cut as a strip (known as a long quarter) like this:

A fat quarter cut is a square shape which means you’re getting more scope to make wider things out of it, even though it’s technically the same surface area.

You may find that some fabrics have a wider width, such as our PUL and Bamboo Velour. We sell this by the fat quarter, however the width can be up to 150cm, so you would get a very generous amount of fabric!

What projects can I make with fat quarters?

A fat quarter is definitely small but mighty in the sewing world. There are tons of projects you can make! Not only are they great for quilters and those applique fans out there you could also make cushions, tote bags, pencil cases, tablet covers, baskets, bibs and so much more.

We have lots of tutorials on our blog which you could make with fat quarters including:

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

Where can I buy fat quarters?

Right here at Plush Addict! We sell quilting collections in fat quarter bundles and you can buy any of our fabrics as a fat quarter, as they are cut bespoke for you when you order. We even have a colour matching service, just pop in the order notes which fabrics you’d like us to colour match and we’ll check for you.

Did you learn a lot from this blog? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!

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A Quick Guide To PUL Fabric

by Kellie Rose | Apr 22, 2021 | Fabric Guides, Fabric Information Guide, My Makes, Product Guides, PUL Projects, Tutorials

What Is PUL Fabric?

So, what is PUL fabric? Or polyurethane laminate – apart from being a mouthful!?

Polyurethane laminate can be abbreviated to PUL fabric.

PUL is special… It’s a waterproof AND breathable fabric!

Why is this important?

Well, it means if you make waterproof items of clothing your body heat has a better chance of escaping into the atmosphere!

Heat escapes THROUGH the fabric – so you “glow” less.

It’s pretty brilliant!

Composition of PUL Fabric

PUL has 2 sides.

One side is a polyester knit, so has a slight stretch which is great for clothing.

The other side has a laminate coating applied.

It’s slippery and shiny – this is the waterproof bit.

PUL is soft & flexible
It doesn’t really crease
It air dries in super quick time
It’s safe – there’s no lead, phthalates or BPA

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What is Sandwich PUL?

As well as single layer PUL we also stock sandwich PUL which works in the same way but instead of being composed of 2 layers of fabric there are 3 layers. The layer of laminate is sandwiched in between 2 layers knit fabric. This is especially helpful if you don’t want to have the shiny laminate side against the skin as it’s hidden away between the knit layers. It’s also stronger so if you are applying a kind of fastener such as KAM snaps, extra reinforcement isn’t required around the fastenings.

Uses: Cloth nappies and wraps, anoraks, waterproof trousers, wet bags, swim bags, changing mats, changing bags, mattress protectors, pillow protectors, baby bibs, picnic blankets, incontinence products, anywhere you need a waterproof, breathable layer.

Is there a right or wrong side?

We ALWAYS get asked this.

Is there a right side to ensure “waterproof-ness”?

There isn’t really, it’s a personal preference.

The fabric will be waterproof no matter which side you choose, so go with the look that pleases you most!

That said, for aesthetic & comfort reasons I usually use the knit side as the “right” side most often.

It’s more comfy if your project will be close to the skin.

Tips for sewing with PUL fabric

✂️ Needle: Use a stretch needle

✂️ Stitch Length: Use 3mm stitch length

✂️ Machine Foot: A walking foot is helpful. If your machine foot is sticking then you can apply a bit of Scotch Magic Tape to the base of your normal machine foot

✂️ Thread Type: Polyester thread is recommended to match the fabric composition

✂️ Sealing sewing holes: When you sew your needle will leave tiny holes behind in the laminate layer which MAY affect the waterproof effectiveness of your garment.

These holes are easily resealed … either:

✂️ Pop your garment in the tumble dryer on low for 20 minutes

✂️ Or if you’re using our White PUL it’s weldable so just iron it (using a pressing cloth!) and the holes will seal!

❤️ A special note regarding our own brand of white PUL … we get this manufactured ourselves here in the UK & it has some very special properties:

☔ Its waterproof YET breathable

☔ Its medical grade

☔ Its weldable giving you a completely sealed seam (Look! No leaks!)

☔ Its fungistatic which – apart from being a brilliant word – means it inhibits the growth of fungi & bacteria ?

☔ Its double laminated – whaaaat’s that?! It means it lasts longer & is less likely to delaminate over time as it’s washed loads

☔ Its fire retardant

Uses For PUL Fabric

Love the sound of PUL? So where can you use it?! Well… anywhere you need a waterproof layer really…. here’s some handy projects on our blog!

Other ideas include….

Waterproof trousers
Wet bags
Cloth Nappies (We have a guide all about these here)
Changing mats
Changing bags
Picnic blankets
Pillow protectors
Incontinence products
Cloth sanitary protection

Have you sewn with PUL fabric? Have you got any tips to share?

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Sewing supplies made from recycled & sustainable materials

by Kellie Rose | Apr 19, 2021 | Fabric, Fabric Guides, Fabric Information Guide, Interfacing and Interlining, Ponte Roma Fabric, Product Guides, Sustainable Sewing

There’s never been a more important time to reduce, recycle and reuse and using recycled products is a great way to support that ethos. In this guide, we are going to highlight some sewing supplies made from recycled & sustainable materials.

Did you know we sell threads, ribbons, interfacings & fabrics that are made from recycled bottles? Or bio-degradable wadding?! Did you know five plastic fizzy drink bottles can supply enough raw materials to make a new T-shirt? Read on for all the info on how you can up the eco-credentials of your stash and choose sewing supplies made from recycled & sustainable materials

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Ribbons made from recycled materials

We are delighted to see that Berisfords are not only now making some of their most popular ranges from recycled plastic bottles, but also the ribbon reels too!

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

Recycled polyester is just as good as virgin polyester but takes 59% less energy to make, plus it keeps plastic out of the oceans or landfill. Using recycled polyester also contributes to the reduction of crude oil and natural gas from the earth.

Berisford now manufacture their Grosgrain ribbon & double satin ribbon from recycled plastic bottles!

Browse Recycled Satin Ribbon

Explore Recycled Grosgrain Ribbon

Sustainable & Recycled Interfacings & Interlinings

Do you use Vlieseline products? Then you’re already doing your bit for the planet! Did you know many Vlieseline interlinings are made from recycled plastic bottles?

The bottles are checked with all caps, labels and rubber removed. Then the bottles are washed and crushed into granules before being melted and made into fibres, which is made into the polyester interlining and wadding we all love.

Interfacing and interlinings made from recycled plastic bottles

Vlieseline already offer products made of 100% recycled polyester and/or mixtures thereof. By using already existing materials Vlieseline are reducing the consumption of new raw materials – in particular those that come from non-renewable sources.

Products which are made with recycled plastic bottles are

100 % R-PES	F220 \| H310 \| R 80 \| R 200
80% R-PES	P120 \| P140 \| P250
65% R-PES	M12 \| S13
55 % R-PES	249
35 % R-PES	G405 \| L11
15 % R-PES	H180

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Biodegradable quilt wadding

The Vlieseline Eco-150 wadding is 100% biodegradable!

The ECO 150 wadding biodegrades when in the ground after 57 days. But there’s no need to panic! It doesn’t start to biodegrade unless it is in the ground as it’s the soil enzymes which trigger the degrading process.

Have a read of The Sewing Directory’s review of this wadding here. Fiona did actually bury it in the ground, and it really does return to the earth

Check Out Biodegradable Wadding

Sewing Threads made from recycled plastic bottles

Gutermann Threads have a fantastic collection of polyester threads that are made from recycled plastic bottles and there are over 160 colours to choose from so you’re bound to find a colour perfectly suited to your project.

They are the same price as regular Sew All threads too – it’s a no-brainer easy switch 🙂

These threads are known as ‘sew-all threads’ and are great for both machine and hand sewing, closing and backstitch seams, fine ornamental stitches and decorative seams.

The threads can be used for light and heavy to medium-weight fabrics and even clothing fabrics and knitwear. They are made in Germany with their Micro Core Technology, so the same premium quality you’d expect from Gutermann, but super eco-friendly! You can shop for these on our website.

Explore Gutermann Recycled Thread

Premium Haberdashery with Plastic Free Packaging

Looking for some premium quality haberdashery? Hemline have introduced a premium rangle of haberdashery called Hemline Gold perfect for any eco-consious Seam Star who doesn’t want to compromise on style! ♻️

Hemline are known for their sleek, modern tools, inspired by the rich heritage of the sewing industry. We are now stocking their Hemline Gold range, which has been manufactured eliminating waste plastic packaging!

You can take a closer look at the range in this video:

There’s also some gorgeous storage such as premium quality needles & safety pins in glass jars with beautiful brushed gold lids, which can be used for years to come and potentially become an heirloom in the family.

Discover Hemline Gold

We hope you found this post useful. Feel free to ask us any questions and we’ll always try to help!

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Fabric Guide – Beautiful Bold Batik Fabrics

by Kellie Rose | Apr 16, 2021 | Fabric, Fabric Guides, Fabric Information Guide, Product Guides

Have you worked with Batik fabrics before? It’s such a beautiful interesting fabric with amazing history, so we thought we would share with you a handy Batik fabric guide all about these incredible fabrics.

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

Recently we have seen a rise in the popularity of Batik fabrics, but they have actually been around for over 2000 years! Batiks have such an interesting history, believed to have originated in Asia and India used for making batik clothing.

What is Batik Fabric?

Batik is an indonesian technique where areas of the design are blocked out by applying hot wax. Then, a dye is applied on top and the parts covered in wax resist the dye and remain the original colour leaving the pattern drawn in wax. This process can be repeated to create layers of beautiful elaborate design. After the final layer, the wax is removed in hot water and the fabric is ready with the batik pattern resisted.

Contemporary Batik textiles designers use a wide range of techniques to create different textures including etching, spraying, marbling and cracking. They also use wooden stamps, brushes, stencils and different kinds of wax such as soya wax to get different effects.

Due to the nature of the process, you will find Batik fabrics look very similar and there is no distinct ‘wrong side’ of the fabric, it completely depends on the look you’re going for. This is because the wax sinks into the fabric so it becomes almost double sided.

Some batiks have a bold print but others may have a more subtle look which work great as blender fabrics. As you can imagine, throughout the years they have been very popular in dressmaking.

Batik is great as quilting fabric but also a great choice for applique as they tend to fray less. They have a tight weave and dense thread count, so may feel a bit stiffer than other fabrics.

Batik Tips

It’s recommended that you pre wash Batik fabrics, to help prevent the dye from running. Hand washing is best, do check before putting it into the washing machine.

When washed, air drying is recommended, but out of direct sunlight. Don’t wring out the excess water after soaking and if you must use a tumble dryer, do so on a low heat setting.

Use a sharp needle when sewing, as you will find they have a tighter weave than other fabrics.

Where can I buy Batik Fabric?

We sell lots of different colours and designs over on our website Plush Addict, a fabric superstore based in the UK!

So, what will you be making with your bold Batiks? Will you be making unique bags, gorgeous quilts or a beautiful batik dress to wear? Leave us a comment and let us know!

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Fabric Guide – Using Eco Bamboo Fabrics

by Kellie Rose | Apr 14, 2021 | Bamboo towelling, Fabric, Fabric Guides, Fabric Information Guide, Fleece, Product Guides, Sustainable Sewing

We’re kicking off Eco-Week sharing share some information about Bamboo Fabric., considered to be one of the most eco-friendly fibres available. Have a read of our guide to learn why, and about the different types of bamboo fabric that are available.

Bamboo fabric is a natural textile, made from plants called Bamboo, which are known as the ‘plant of a thousand uses’ as they have been used for centuries as building material, but Beijing University managed to develop the super sustainable plant as bamboo fibre.

Bamboo plants grow quickly like grass, so often need a trim and will carry on growing.

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

Bamboo fabric is very soft, smooth and lightweight, yet strong. Also, it does not go under much chemical processing to make the fabric, which makes it easy to wear if you have found your skin is sometimes irritated by fabrics.

The fibres have a criss-cross texture which makes it a fantastic moisture absorber but also good for breathability.

Not only is bamboo fabric more environmentally friendly, but it is also super absorbent. This means it’s great for re-usable items like cloth nappies, reusable wipes, yoga towels, women’s cloth pads, mattress covers, pet beds and so much more!

The textile industry have found in comparison to cotton, it is 3 times more absorbent and keeps you cool and dry in sweaty situations! It can also adapt to weather conditions, keeping you cooler than cotton would in the heat but warm and cosy in the winter.

Lab tests on the material have proved that it is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal thanks to the natural substance called ‘Bamboo kun’ which protects the plant from pests. Even after 50 washes, the bamboo fibres continue to have antibacterial properties!

Bamboo fabrics comes in a wide variety of types such as velour, towelling, jersey and stretch terry.

Check out these makes below where bamboo fabric has been used as an absorbent insert.

Photo Credit: Bumble Bees Modern Cloth Nappies

BAMBOO TOWELLING

Read our 13 Tips for Sewing with Bamboo Towelling Fabric here

One of our best selling bamboo options is the Bamboo towelling. Ideal for cloth wipes, bibs and towels, it is super soft and the premium version is lush with a gorgeous sheen for that luxury feel.

There is no stretch to struggle with while sewing but can be quite lofty as it has terry loop on both sides.

Bamboo towelling comes in a few different neutral colours too!

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BAMBOO VELOUR

Another bamboo option we have is a knit fabric with a super soft velour finish. It makes GORGEOUS snuggle blankets & has a great drape for loungewear. It is also a popular choice for nappy making as it’s very soft to touch and is thinner than bamboo towelling.

When sewing, be careful as it has a little stretch so make sure to use lots of pins, a walking foot and a ball point needle. In addition, it makes a fantastic blank canvas for your own colour palette, as it takes dye well.

BAMBOO FRENCH TERRY

Bamboo French Terry is a super high quality premium fabric that comes in a variety of colours. It has a smooth knit side and dimpled weave effect on the reverse. It’s great for lounge wear as well as sports wear as it’s super absorbent. It’s can be used for any item where absorbency is needed.

Bamboo jersey

How about some super soft leggings? Bamboo jersey is ideal for sportswear as it’s soft, breathable, strong and lightweight. Also perfect for t-shirts & dresses. Don’t forget those anti-bacterial properties too, ideal for those sweaty gym sessions!

You can use bamboo jersey any where you might use a regular jersey fabric.

CHECK THE WEIGHT

When browsing for absorbent fabrics, take a note of the fabric weight (normally written as gsm which stands for grams per square metre). The higher GSM the fabric is, the more it will absorb.

What can I make with bamboo fabrics?

Looking for project ideas for bamboo fabrics? Here’s some suggestions

Reusable Kitchen Cloths
Reusable Cotton Pads
Bamboo Mattress Toppers
Cloth nappies
Reusable makeup remover pads (Square)
Reusable cotton pads (Round)
Eco-Friendly Shower Puff
Breast pads/breastfeeding bra pads
Bath Eye Mask
Bath Headband
Bath Mitt
Bath towels
Robes
Flannels
Slippers
Casual clothing
Loungewear
Tea towels
Reusable sanitary wear
Wash mitts
Reusable cloths, towels and sponges for cleaning
Childrenswear

For free tutorials and other ideas, check out our blog series.

We hope you loved learning all about Bamboo Fabrics! Don’t forget to sign up to the newsletter to make sure you never miss a fabric guide or tutorial again!

For more content on our Eco Week, you can check out Plush Addict on all the socials below.

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