How to Embroider on Oilcloth

About a year ago, I did some pattern testing for a new sewing book, Sewing With Oilcloth. The author, Kelly McCants, came to Atlanta this past fall to do a book signing and hangout session, so I went so I could meet her and get my books signed.

While we were hanging out, we got on the subject of embroidery. We weren't sure how the embroidery machine would handle the oilcloth.

I am just now getting around to trying it, and it works just fine. I use a home embroidery machine (Brother PE780D), so i am sure the industrial machines will handle it just as well, if not better.  Before you try it, there are some things you need to know, though:

1) DO NOT hoop the oilcloth. Hoop the stabilizer and stick the oilcloth to it. Sticky stabilizer or temporary spray adhesive can be used.
2) The embroidery needles will wear out more quickly when stitching on oilcloth, so be mindful of that.
3) Since oilcloth should not be pinned down, I usually babysit the machine while stitching oilcloth due to the chance the oilcloth can come off the stabilizer from the movement of the embroidery arm.


When I embroidered my beach / pool tote, I used:
~ A fill stitch. Since this bag will get a lot of use and the lettering was large, I opted to not use a satin stitch.
~ Medium weight cutaway stabilizer
~ Temporary spray adhesive to stick the oilcloth down
~ Titanium Organ sharp embroidery needle
~ Gunold polyester embroidery thread. I would stay away from the rayon on oilcloth. It tends to break easily.

I wrote this post, assuming that folks familiar with embroidery are reading it. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to comment or email me!

Waterproof Oilcloth Beach / Pool Totes

Oilcloth is fabric that is vinyl-coated cotton. It is waterproof and stain resistant, which makes it perfect for beach & pool totes! I recently made one for myself, and I am pleased to offer them! These won't be in the shop, but I will take orders for them instead.

Here are some images of the large size tote, filled with stuff!

The Details:

~Size Options:
     Large: 18"W x 14"H x 5"D: Very roomy, fits 3 beach towels!
     XLarge: 24"W x 14"H x 8"D: Huge. You can fit your kids in it, probably.

~Two 6" tall side pockets, perfect for sunscreen or your cell phone

~Waterproof: Wipe down or hose off! (Don't put in washing machine, though.)

~Note that oilcloth is not food safe, so don't put a sandwich down in the bottom without it being in a ziplock baggie!

Main Fabrics (choose one):

Coordinating Fabrics (choose one):






Font Choices:



Pricing Options (Same for both sizes):

1) Non-personalized tote: $47.50 + tax and shipping

2) Personalized tote: $56.50 + tax and shipping

To Order:

Email me with fabric & personalization choices at april@forsheedesigns.com and I will send you a PayPal invoice. Turnaround time from cleared payment will be approximately two weeks. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Modern June, Oilcloth, and a Giveaway!

The book giveaway has closed.

Last winter, I was honored by being asked to be a pattern tester for a new sewing book that was coming out! The book is Sewing With Oilcloth by Kelly McCants.
I was asked to test this sweet little messenger bag: It turned out nicely and has a bunch of pockets and sections on the inside. I am probably going to use this bag to hold some of my homeschooling materials here in the office. Last week, Kelly came to Atlanta and had a booth at the Country Living Festival at Stone Mountain Park. A few days before, she was holding a book signing at Whipstitch Fabrics. I couldn't miss meeting one of my sewing/Twitter buddies in real life, so I took my mom and my friend Tara with me to get my books signed!
Mom & Tara
Kelly & Me! Oh that's right, the title said giveaway, didn't it? Wiley Publishers sent me a few copies of the book, and I got them all autographed the other night. I'm giving a copy away here on my sweet little blog!
The Details/Rules:
1. Open to US residents only.
2. Leave a comment WITH YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS to enter.
3. Contest closes November 1st at 5pm EST.