Using clear vinyl?
 

I have a really nice toiletries bag pattern and would like to make the pocket out of vinyl. I have never sewn with it before. Because the pocket has a zipper, I am assuming that I should cover the edge of the vinyl with fabric--sort of like a flange, so that I would be enclosing it before attaching the zipper? Any hints or things to avoid would be most welcome.

make your stitches a bit longer to help prevent tearing of the vinyl. yes, using fabric with the zipper would help.

Depends on the pattern is have just covered with zipper sometimes it can be bound with fabric and then stitches on but it usually reserved this for netting

Any time I work with vinyl I put tissue paper on it so that my foot moves smoothly. It just tears right off after.

I get the heaviest gauge vinyl i can find (12 mm). I also cover the cut out piece with a press cloth and iron it before sewing! I make luggage tags, so there is fabric sewn all around the vinyl. I never have trouble with the needle tearing it. I also use tissue paper so it doesn't stick to the bed of my sewing machine.

I second this. I have even put the tissue paper on the bottom if that is where the vinyl is. I use the thin inexpensive tissue paper I got at the dollar store.

I use a "Teflon" foot that I purchased for my Janome 6600.
I have made several notions bags this way and have had no problems.

A walking foot is also helpful with sewing on vinyl.

I like to sew vinyl with two threads for double thickness and a longer stitch. Don't have any special feet or tips 'cause I haven't done much of it, just a wallet or two and some chair re-covers, and if there is any drag just raise the foot a fraction with the knee-lift. But will try using copy paper, as I'm in need of a new wallet & will make my own.

Thanks for all your help. I made the bag without the vinyl pocket today and it turned out great. I think it will be even better with a clear pocket in the center. Now to remember where I stashed the extra tissue paper after wrapping the last birthday present...

I recently made some small bags to hold cell phones to keep water off them; not water proof but water resistant.
Use some sort of 'tissue' under the vinyl so it will slide through and under the foot and a teflon foot if you have one; works great. Show us a pic when you get it made. You know we LOVE pictures on here!

I also use tissue under the plastic as it grabs to the machine if I don't and it won't slide. I also make zipper bags I put a lace zipper in them. It looks fancy and is easier to sew.Bottom half of bag (below the zipper down) is clear plastic and shows the lining.

I also would like to see your bag.

I have used the teflon foot and baby powder.

Sorry to get off topic, but a lace zipper? I have never seen such a thing! How cute.

I do not have the teflon foot. I put blue painters tape on the bottom of the foot I wanted to use. No need to remove the tape for other fabrics, etc.

Sandy I PM'd you. You iron under a 1/4 " hem on the fabric. and then sew the zipper on top of the fabric. Instead of sewing zipper upside down then turning over and sewing on top. Flipping the fabric back and forth. I usually get the zipper upside down the first time on reg. zippers. lol Sorry I hadn't finished the binding on the cow one so it looks real sloppy .

You can find lace zippers on etsy.

Heck I don't mind going off topic. Lawsonmugs I LOVE you bags!! They are sooo cute and I have seen the lace zippers, just haven't had a chance to use them. Yours are beautiful!

Thank You they are quick and fun to make. size is about 5x7 inches.

I put Contact Removable sticky clear vinyl on fabric and sew. I made a lot of zipper pouches. The removable doesn't gum up the needle. A big roll is about $6 at Walmart.

Those are great!!! We're you able to find a free pattern for them online?

lawsonmugs -- love your bags with the lace zippers. I have made many bags with normal zippers (I think putting zippers in vinyl is easier than in fabric). I have made project bags to hold my quilt class projects as well as smaller bags that hold meds in my purse -- even taught classes at the guild. I second and third putting paper under the presser foot (and a Teflon foot is awesome) -- I have used tissue as well as adding machine tape. Do use a longer stitch (a 3) and do not back stitch (I organize the sewing so only the last end has not been crosses and I tie those threads.

I don't remember if it was a free pattern but it was on Craftsy.

https://www.craftsy.com/sewing/patte...r-pouch/296291

Hi Mary, Is this the pattern you used. Hugs, Jen

Yes it is. I believe it was free when I got it maybe 6 months ago. I like putting fabrics that are fussy cut to show a picture or pretty design through the clear plastic. it takes about 10 minutes to make one. Less after I made one or two. They would be great to give away at a sewing meet or Christmas or at the office. You use scraps and a cute zipper. I checked and I paid $2.14 for an assortment of colors of lace zippers approx. 12 " long on www.AliExpress.com and no shipping. Comes from China so it takes about 3-4 weeks. Good luck sweetie.

Thanks for all the info!!!! While reading the instructions on the pattern I was trying to figure out if the vinyl was the pocket or if the 2 fabrics made the pocket. And the vinyl was a protective cover.

Thanks for the info Mary. I will check out AliExpress for the lace zippers, they are beautiful. Hugs Jen :sew:

The vinyl is the front of the bag. The fabric is the back. I forgot to put I got 10 zippers for $2.14.