Can you machine sew clear vinyl?

I was wondering if you can either hand sew or machine sew the clear vinyl you get for tableclothsCan you machine sew clear vinyl?
The big issues with sewing vinyl are that you need a long stitch length -- otherwise the stitch holes act like perforations -- and vinyl tends to stick to the needleplate and not move readily. That can be fixed with strips of tissue paper or Solvy above and below the seamline, and a roller foot.





Given the choice between hand sewing vinyl and cleaning the bathroom, I'll take the scrubbing...


Can you machine sew clear vinyl?
Yes it can be done.





Always do a test on a scrap before diving into the project.





To stitch, lay a strip of tissue paper (like gift wrap) on the bottom and a strip on the top of the vinyl. This is easy to remove after the stitching has been done.





Lengthen the stitch and test until you get the best result.





A leather needle is usually recommended, but if you do not have one, try a size 14 sharp.





It would help if you had a walking foot (aka, even feed foot).





In the bed of the sewing machine, in the area under the presser foot are little metal teeth called feed dogs. They feed the item being sewn under and out the back of the presser foot.





The bottom of the walking foot looks like the feed dogs and they work in unison with the feed dogs in the bed of the sewing machine to provide an even feed of both layers being sewn.





If you do not have a walking foot and would like to purchase one, try a fabric shop that sells sewing machines. They usually sell generic attachments that fit most sewing machines, except for Bernina which has a different configuration for attaching presser feet.





Best wishes for a successful project.





PJ
yes, you can, that is depending on the machine and needle. you need a good machine that can push through something like that, especially if it's really thick. i don't know if they make a needle for sewing through something like that, but a size 14 is usually good for thick materials. you have to be careful not to damage your machine, so an industrial one might be better. they are better for sewing through REALLY thick stuff like multiple layers and denim. if it's not very thick you should be ok.
Yes you can use your sewing machine to sew the clear vinyl,


but you might need to use a walking foot and use tissue paper or wax paper to go over the vinyl on the top side. It will help the vinyl move smoother through the machine.


Be sure to sew slow at first to see how the machine sews it.








Hope this helps.
I second what livingde has said. I would add that I have sewn vinyl and had no problem. The 14-needle is a good idea, and I would slow the machine down and keep an eye on the stitches as you go along. Just do it slowly.


And don't make the stitches too small or you will end up with something that will tear very easily, like tearing on the dotted line.
This will sound funny, but mom used to do it. Use toilet paper on top and below the two layers, the machine will feed the vinyl through easier, then you can just pull of the tp. worked for her.
If I鈥檓 sewing just vinyl alone, it鈥檚 teflon-foot-only territory, no exceptions! Also, be sure to use a longer stitch length. The idea of tiolet paper or even tissue paper helps.