I absolutely love laminated cotton but the cost gets me every time. I’ve used it for only one project in the past because every time I look at it, I cringe at the cost per yard. So when I found out it was super easy to make your own, I had to try it … and I wanted to show you how to laminate cotton, too! I love that you can turn your favorite print into fabric that can be wiped down with a cloth!
I have no idea how the cost would factor out for a large project using pre-made laminated cotton versus this homemade version but this method is definitely cheaper for a small project. I used a small amount of the vinyl and have lots left over for another project. The added benefit is that you can use any fabric you want. I used scraps from my stash, making my total cost extremely low.
To make your own laminated cotton, you’ll need a roll of iron-on vinyl {found at his affiliate link or near the heat and bond products at the fabric store}. It’s very reasonably priced and can be used with any fabric.
In addition to the vinyl, choose your favorite cotton print and plug in the iron. Before you laminate, iron the fabric to get rid of all creases and wrinkles.
Simply follow the manufacturer’s directions to iron the vinyl onto the cotton. {You can see that my fabric needs to be pressed after being passed around through little hands … it can be pressed from the back without any damage to the vinyl.}
I was so impressed with how well the vinyl adheres and can’t wait to try some other projects. Be sure to take a peek at the baby bib I made with this adorable vintage-style fabric!
Want another idea for using laminated cotton? Check out the vintage stool I pulled from a trash pile and recovered!
Holly says
No, you are the next to last person to know. I am so excited!!! (Like pee my pants excited!!) Heading to Joanns to get some of that. I know just what I want to do with it. Thank you!
barb says
I am looking forward to seeing the finished product! I’m not “pee my pants excited” though. The only time I pee my pants these days is when I sneeze or cough to hard. 🙂 At least I know where I can get a vinyl bib when I start drooling!
Linda says
Barb’s comment cracks me up!! And yes you are NOT the last to know.
erin says
I HAD NO IDEA EITHER! Thank you thank you thank you for sharing! I found you at a linky party and am so glad you linked up! I ADORE laminated cotton too and would never have known I can make my own! Thanks.
Erin
http://www.abirdandabean.blogspot.com
I am your newest follower! 🙂
Amanda says
I didn’t know this either! I actually put fabric through my laminator to make some bunting cause I was put off the cost of buying oil cloth, might give this method a go, thanks for posting!
Marcy says
How did it turn out? I have a large 25 inch laminator. I’m wondering about putting fabric through it?
Southern Fried Gal says
Wow – that is so cool! Your fabrics are cute, too. Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous says
Hey – I am certainly delighted to find this. great job!
Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says
That is certainly a benefit to get custom laminate. I can imagine a child’s outfit with a matching bib :). I love the photo of your family, I also have 5 children :).
Tabitha says
I didn’t know about this, either. This would be awesome for my toddler’s tablecloth. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Katie says
Had no idea you could do this! Opens up a whole new world of possibility :). Thanks for stopping by my blog, commenting, and sharing your link. Your bucket hat turned out great.
Kelsey says
Genius!!!! You are a smart lady! I envision my dining chairs reupholstered and then covered in this stuff so that every food spill doesn’t leave a HUGE stain! Yay!!!
Lauren Wetini says
Hi there, just wondering if you know about the chemicals in vinyl? I’m unsure, and want to make kids stuff, but have read that oil cloth is made of PVC and not recommended for kids under 12 years of age, however laminated cotton is best. Any thoughts?
Lauren Wetini says
Hi there, just wondering if you know about the chemicals in vinyl? I’m unsure, and want to make kids stuff, but have read that oil cloth is made of PVC and not recommended for kids under 12 years of age, however laminated cotton is best. Any thoughts?
Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says
Lauren, I’m afraid I have no idea. I’ve heard that oil cloth isn’t food safe but I honestly have no idea about laminated cotton. Since my little one isn’t eating directly off the bib I didn’t worry about it but if you’re making snack bags or something, I’d research it first. Sorry I can’t help!
Lisa Dayringer says
Most of the laminated cottons I have come across are PVC and BPA free!
Elizabeth says
What would you use laminated cotton for?
Randi Dukes says
Since it can be wiped down, it’s great for chair covers, placemats, bibs … anything that can get dirty. And if you laminate your own, you can obviously use any fabric you want.
Amy says
Could you do both sides of fabric?
Would use to make a make-up bag.
Randi Dukes says
I don’t know why not but I think you should experiment on a small piece of scrap fabric first. That would be a great idea for a makeup bag!
Beth Bennett says
OK, I am glad I ran across this post. I have used this, but evidently I didn’t do it correctly. It worked perfectly, until I decided to wash it….it came off. However, I was able to iron it right back on, but I am afraid to wash it again. Any suggestions from anyone. I followed the directions, or I thought that I did. I need help….
Randi Dukes says
I didn’t have any trouble washing it … if it happens again, I’d contact the manufacturer and see if they have any suggestions. I hate that it came off in the wash!
Nilakshi says
Can I put anything hot over it?
Randi Dukes says
I believe so but I would read the instructions on the package. I’ve never had issues with that.
Miss Daisyb says
Thanks , the ideas are spinning in my head but have to purchase first.
Kelli says
This is genius!! I so need to do this and reupholster my kitchen chairs. Thank you for the idea!!
Quantumcheese says
Just make sure you don’t use anything with the VINYL laminated fabric to store foo with. Vinyl isn’t considered food safe and leaches chemicals into whatever is stored in it.
The reason why store bought laminated cottons are so expensive are because they are often working with newer bioplastics or technologies that are food safe, but not as widely produced. Harder to find stuff is always more expensive, and that’s reflected in the price.
For what it’s worth, I’d rather pay a bit extra to know a baby is getting something I know is safe rather than question myself later.
Vinnie Wolfe says
Could I do two of these to do a larger project. I’m trying to laminate a flag made of nylon?
Randi Dukes says
Definitely!
Susan says
To make wider, should I overlap a bit or butt up to each other?
Thanks!
Randi Dukes says
Just butt it up. I think it will be noticeable if you overlap.
Susan says
Thanks so much!