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What is Oilcloth?

Oilcloth is in Vogue Again

What is Oilcloth & Why is it so Popular - Again?

Oilcloth has been around for over a century. It was originally created by coating block-printed canvas or linen with linseed oil resin.

With age, the resin and design would crack and flake off. Today's high-tech version is a vinyl-permeated cotton mesh. It won't crack and peel but has the same shine and color vibrancy of the oilcloth of yesteryear.

The mesh backing means it can really hold a stitch, making it perfect for anything that needs to be sturdy and durable. It also wipes clean with a warm, soapy sponge.

When oilcloth tote bags were the new rage, I made up a bunch very similar to those everyone else was selling; but I added a brochure explaining the advantages of the new “oilcloth” over that stuff some of us remember from our childhood that would stiffen, crack and peel over time.

My bags sold well locally and got me into a big international wholesalers’ exhibit where they were purchased in bulk for export.

That was two years ago and I thought the new oilcloth’s popularity was just a passing fad.

Imagine my surprise when our regular winter visitors came back to town this season.

People who had bought my oilcloth bags two and three years ago were clamoring for more.

They wanted new designs for themselves or as gifts. Some even had friends who admired their bags so much, they placed orders.

So I’m back at my sewing machine stitching up oilcloth market bags, beach bags and lunch bags as fast as my little fingers can fly!

Guess this is a trend rather than a fad.

For instructions and tips for making your own Oilcloth Tote Bags, click the link.

For more articles on sewing, visit the Sewing Article Index page.

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Recommended Reading

These books are excellent resources for sewers of all skill levels.

Sew to Success: How to Make Money in a Home-Based Sewing Business
By: Kathleen Spike

Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book
By: Anne Marie Soto

Sewing for Dummies
By: Janice Saunders Maresh

The Complete Book of Sewing: A Practical Step-By-Step Guide to Every Technique
By: Chris Jefferys

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