August 25, 2022
Tips & Tricks for Sewing with Cork Fabric
Nothing reignites sewing passion like trying something new. Whether a new technique, fabric, tool - you name it. It can all bring new passion and excitement to your sewing projects.
Cork fabric is one of the newer substrates in the Missouri Star product assortment. Cork fabric has a similar handle to leather, but it can be easier to cut and sew with. Cork fabric has a fabric support backing consisting of polyester, cotton and polyurethane. It feels like a quality leather because it’s soft, smooth, and pliable. It can be used to make handmade bags, wallets, accents on clothing, craft projects, applique, embroidery, shoes, or upholstery. Cork fabric is also sustainable, washable, stain resistant, durable, antimicrobial and hypoallergenic.
Here are Some Tips & Trick for Having Success with Cork Fabric Projects:
Use a Microtex Needle: Microtex Size 80/12 or Microtex Size 90/14 are preferred; however, Universal Size 80/12 work as well. Microtex needles have a narrow shaft and very thin, sharp point which makes it ideal for cork fabric. And like other sewing projects, it is recommended to start each project with a new needle.
Stitch Lengths: 2.5-3mm for piecing and 3-4mm for top stitching. If you are sewing through several layers of fabric, you may need to lower your machine’s tension and foot pressure. Domestic sewing machines can usually sew up to four layers of cork fabric, or two layers of cork and 2 layers of foam at a time.
Thread: Use 40-50 weight thread for seaming and topstitching. We also recommend using a Teflon foot or walking foot to help your machine glide through layers of cork fabric easily. Each machine behaves differently so please test what works best for your machine.
Iron: Yes, you can iron it!
Double Sided Basting Tape or Glue: Use basting tape or glue for holding seams, positioning pockets and zippers, creating straps, and more!
Sewing Clips: Pins will leave a permanent hole in your cork fabric. Use sewing clips or Wonder Clips to hold together seams.
Removable Marking Tools: Use removable marking tools, such as chalk or water pens, to trace patterns on the wrong side of cork fabric.
Edge Finishing: Cork fabric will not fray, so you can leave the edge raw. If desired, use leather edge paint to coat the raw edge for a smooth, sealed look.
Rivets & Rotary Punch: Add rivets to stabilizer seams and straps on bags made with cork fabric. They add a great professional touch!
Cork Fabric Projects to Sew
If you are new to using cork fabric, we recommend starting with a sewing pattern that is specifically written for cork fabric.
If your pattern is not written for cork fabric, read through the instructions and test sew to determine if cork can be used. Remove or add interfacing and stabilizer as necessary. You can use quilt weight cotton and cork fabric together, but you will want to stabilize quilt weight cotton to establish a weight similar to the cork fabric.
We can’t wait to see your cork fabric projects! Share your projects using hashtag #msqcshowandtell
#MSQCShowAndTell
Published by Danae M.