Oilcloth is a hardwearing fabric with a special coating made on a woven backing material (usually cotton or linen) that makes it one of the best waterproof materials as well as water-resistant and stain-resistant. Typically, the base fabric is a lightweight woven cotton or polyester, which then receives the waterproof coating. This high-density material is also quite strong and durable.
This is the picture of an oil cloth apron I have. The surface looks like cotton cloth with thin layer of lubricant-like material. All the features inherent in the oil cloth is taken advantage in making this apron.
It is waterproof/water-Resistant: The coating on top of the apron fabric provides a waterproof or water-resistant barrier. Perfect when I am washing or using water in anyway.
It is stain-resistant: Its surface does not absorb liquids. The slick surface also makes it easy to wipe clean. Perfect when I am dyeing or painting.
It is durable: It can withstand exposure to the elements more than all other fabrics. So, I am not worried that it is not going to last long or get damaged.
It has a woven backing material: So that I am not as uncomfortable as if I am wearing a completely plastic apron (with all its advantages)
It is available in pretty prints and is ideal for making napkins, table cloths, coasters, placemats, outdoor pillows, shelf liners etc. It is also used to make reusable gift bags, beach bags, beach blankets, and aprons. You can use it to line bags, and to make toiletery pouches.
There are many types of oilcloths. The traditional Oilcloth is a closely woven coated cotton or linen cloth with a boiled linseed oil coating; this was also known as oilskin. This was the only kind of oilcloth till the 1950s when vinyl laminated oilcloth was discovered.
Today the oil cloth can have a PVC/vinyl or an acrylic coating. It is also known as American cloth or enameled cloth.
Most of the oilcloth available in the market have a PVC coating ie a plastic laminate is added on top of dense cotton fabric to make it stain and water-resistant. The glossy PVC finish makes the cotton thick and also durable. An acrylic-coated oilcloth is softer but a little rougher than PVC-coated oilcloth.
The oilcloth has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of oilcloth
- Highly resistant to water
- Highly resistant to stain
- Antibacterial
- Easy to maintain
- Easy to preserve the designs on a base fabric
- Highly resilient
- Edges do not fray or unravel
Disadvantages of oil cloth fabric
- Highly prone to wrinkles
- Can fade under direct sunlight
- Vinyl oilcloth is toxic
- It cannot be recycled.
How to care for oil cloth
It is easy to take care of your oilcloth if you know how to do it.
Do not place very hot dishes or anything which is hot on the surface of oilcloth – this includes very hot water.
The oil cloth can be cleaned easily with just a wipe with a damp cloth.
To wash the oil cloth, fill a bucket with warm water. Add a little soap or other mild detergents. Stir to foam. Wet a soft cloth or a sponge with this soapy mixture. Make sure your sponge or soft cloth is not dripping water. Wipe the surface of the oilcloth gently. If there is any residue left, you can repeat the process. Or wipe the oilcloth with plain water. Finally, dry it with another soft cloth.
To store the oilcloth – Keep it rolled and not folded to avoid wrinkles. In case there are wrinkles and you want to iron them, never apply hot iron directly on your oilcloth as it will melt. Instead, cover it with cotton pressing cloth and then iron over it.
Oilcloth is a typical medium-thick fabric that can be sewn easily on a sewing machine if you take some precautions. Since it is a coated fabric it will stick to the presser foot of your machine if you sew on the right side. To solve this issue, you can either use a teflon presser foot or stick a small piece of tape on the bottom of your presser foot to prevent the sticking issue.
Check out these posts for more pointers : How to sew Vinyl; How to sew several layers of thick fabrics together on your sewing machine ; Different types of coated fabrics
