Have you tried sewing with paper fabric? Also known as washable paper / vegan leather. It is often used for labels on denim and it is really fun to sew with. I have made a whole host of projects and tried a new to me brand of paper fabric that I'm going to share with you today. I also have another product to share, that allowed me to use some vintage embroidery transfers to create cute decorations. Heavily inspired by stationery these simple, modern makes are perfect to give as gifts... it might be is a long post, so grab a brew and I hope it inspires you!
I first used this material about four years ago and have since enjoyed sewing with it to make a variety of things: folder, card holder, monogrammed label, and bookmarks.
kraft-tex seems to be the most commonly available washable fabric paper, they make a range of colours and is what I've use most. There is also some made by Rico - like the beautiful metallic rose gold one above. Recently I found HappyHide at Frumble, a nice range of neutral colours and metallics, it is slightly softer and crinkles beautifully. I think with people looking for leather alternatives it is likely to get more popular and there may well be more brands making similar products too.
One of the things that is so cool about this material is the way it wrinkles. As a stationery lover, it excites me because it really looks like paper. You can keep it flat so it looks more like card but if you wash it then in creates lines and wrinkles that mimic leather or crumpled paper. It is tough though, this is not a flimsy material - I have put pieces in my washing machine, it dries with more texture but it's still firm. The card holder I made for my husband 4 years ago is still going strong. Obviously he opens and closes it, carries it in his pocket and throws it around. He's had other wallets that haven't lasted that long!
For my latest projects, I was inspired by packaging, brown paper bags and simplicity. Paper fabric allows you to do things you can't do with quilting cotton and projects are quick and fun to sew. I made up these samples for a CraftyMonkies class which is now available on demand, and wasn't kidding when I said these are quick to make, we got through a lot! Obviously with me chatting and sharing all the tips while making.
We started simple, making this cute wallet. Straight line sewing, 3 pieces and a layer of felt. A good way to get used to the feel of sewing with fabric paper.
You can see the texture of the paper fabric well here. It is flat but has a sort of grain, I really like the feel of it. It does look more rigid and cardboardy when it isn't washed, as is the case here. But then that does give it a modern, minimal feel.
When sewing paper fabric I use my regular piecing cotton, Aurifil 50 weight. I have used thicker weights of thread too, for top stitching or decoration and it all works well.
You do need to make sure your stitches aren't too small, as that can perforate the fabric. Honestly I did have some trouble when I starting designing and testing because turning the fabric through can be tricky.
I cracked it though! Before this I had sewn pieces together with the seams on the outside but it's much more satisfying seeing the possibilities of what you can make when you can turn it right sides out.
Finished with a snap closure and embroidered detail (more on that later).
Next up is my favourite, the string closure pouch or envelope. This took the most time to design, until I got it just right. I played with proportions, the closure, different stitches and edges. I made some mistakes and got a bit frustrated but now I'm super happy with it. It has an old school envelope look and it's a useful size and it can has an expandable flat bottom so it will stand up. The bakers twine gives the perfect finish and there's so many ways you can adapt and use this pattern.
Another thing I LOVE about paper fabric is you can use scraps too, perfect for labels or tags and these useful cord keepers. These are keeping all our cables, plugs, cords and headphones neat - hurrah!
You can draw, write and stamp on paper fabric. The rubber stamp alphabets I own get used in quite a lot of my projects - I use them on regular cotton fabric too - but they are even easier to use on paper fabric. It's important to use a good ink, preferably fade proof. I like the Memento Dew Drop ink pads.
I created another version of the snap pouch for storing receipts, with a cheeky reminder! I also like that it has 'egg' colours 😂
The final make is one I use daily. I created scissor holders for all my embroidery scissors. I have a few pairs of small scissors because I like to keep them with my cross stitching, embroidery and epp projects. That way I'm not always looking for scissors.
I designed two slightly different styles of cases and although I didn't have time to demonstrate making one in the class I did give instructions. I've seen cases made by the class participants since and they look fab!
Here's my table after the class had just finished, a complete creative mess!
I didn't get to finish this sample in class but did since and I love it in the brown paper fabric. At this point how can you not sing 'brown paper packages tied up with string'! This one will hold templates I think, or maybe epp papers.
So easy to make, you can whip up a whole bunch and have them handy to use as storage or gift wrapping. Be sure to tell the recipient that it is reusable.
It's very easy to add embellishments to these projects too; not only stamping, you can draw on them or even, as I did, add some embroidery. I create some 'patch' type embellishments, which is super easy and fun.
I used some felt and Thermoweb Peel n Stick Fabric Fuse Sheets, which allows you to essentially make a sticker.
The embroideries are all from vintage transfer sheets, kindly shared with me by a reader.
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