I am working on a project and I want to use that clear plastic stuff, I believe it is vinyl. I want to sew it to canvas to make a window? Do you think it will work? Any tips or suggestions? I read somewhere that I need a big needle and a long stitch setting.

There is a special presser foot that has rollers on the bottom. This is helpful as other feet "drag" across the vinyl making it harder to work with, these specialty feet roll over it and your stitching is much easier.

Maybe a heavier duty thread, lengthen your stitches a little.

Stitch out a practice sample.

Use a large heavy duty needle, too :D:D:D

Am looking forward to responses. My DH wants me to make fender "bras" for our trike in black vinyl.

Hi, Yes, I have sewn on vinyl. I used a teflon foot. If you don't have that foot, you can get glider bottoms made of teflon that can be adhered to the bottom of an all purpose foot. I know Viking and Pfaff dealers sell them. Anne

Try putting painter's tape where you want to sew, this may help. Use the correct needle.

Theresa, the colored vinyl is easy to sew on, I just use a walking foot and a little longer stitch length. The clear vinyl "grabs" the foot and drags something fierce. It is "tacky". If you get a textured vinyl, it is very easy.

I design my own tote bags. I used a #9 needle, the same thing I use for piecing. Here is a pic, this stuff sews up like a dream, and NO hemming, just turn under the edge and top stitch!

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-41912-1.htm

With vinyl, you HAVE to make sure you get it right the first time with your stitching.
Otherwise you have to start over again.

Good luck and post some pictures. :) of your finished project.

I have sewn on vinyl, both the clear stuff and other. With the clear I made my big dog a raincoat, with a hood. He hated being inside so he needed some protection. I did not use a special foot because I did not know there was such a thing. Never thought about it. I did use paper though, just typing paper between the foot and the fabric. And lots of tape, since pins don't really work for a raincoat. I just used masking tape where you would normally use pins.

I also had to make a bunch of black vinyl Christmas stockings for a gal. Those weren't too bad because the vinyl had a backing. But I sure went through a lot of needles.

When I worked at a commercial drapery place we used a silicone spray for making shower curtains.what you do is spray it on the vinyl as you sew it works great you can also spray a small amount on your new pins to help them to slide into your fabrics. You can get it at atlantathread.com/ click on parts and scroll down to it. It costs only $7.00.

Wow, great tip. Sounds a lot easier than how I've done it.