How to Sew with Outlet Polyester Laminate Fabric
By Thirsties Baby | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn step-by-step tips for sewing durable polyester laminate fabric from the outlet section. Get clean seams and avoid common mistakes.
Quick answer
Sew outlet polyester laminate fabric with a ballpoint or universal needle, lengthen your stitch, and use a walking foot or tissue paper to prevent sticking. Avoid pinning through the laminate—use clips or tape instead.
Why polyester laminate fabric behaves differently
Polyester laminate is a knit or woven fabric fused to a waterproof polyurethane film. The laminate layer is sensitive to heat and friction—ironing or excessive pins can melt or puncture it. Outlet fabrics like the teal 58" wide polyester laminate are sold at a discount because of slight cosmetic flaws or overstock, but the material itself performs identically to full-price laminate.
7 Steps to Sew Outlet Polyester Laminate Fabric
- Choose the right needle: Use a new ballpoint (size 75/11 or 90/14) or a universal needle. A sharp needle can cut small holes in the laminate that leak over time. Checkpoint: Test on a scrap—if you see visible holes, switch to ballpoint.
- Do not pin through the fabric: Pins leave permanent punctures. Use binder clips, Wonder Clips, or painter’s tape along the seam allowance. Common mistake: Regular pins create leak paths. Clip, don’t pin.
- Lengthen your stitch: Set your stitch length to 3–3.5 mm (about 8–10 stitches per inch). Shorter stitches perforate the film and weaken the seam.
- Reduce presser foot pressure: If your machine allows, lower the presser foot pressure slightly. High pressure stretches the laminate and causes wavy seams.
- Prevent sticking with tissue paper: Place a strip of tissue paper or tear-away stabilizer under the fabric when sewing. The laminate will not stick to the feed dogs. Tear away after stitching. Common mistake: Skipping this causes the fabric to drag and form puckers.
- Press seams without heat: Use a pressing cloth and a warm iron (wool or synthetic setting) or a Teflon sheet. Never touch the laminate directly with a hot iron. Press seams open gently—do not slide the iron. Checkpoint: Melted laminate ruins waterproofing. Test iron temp on a scrap first.
- Finish seams for durability: For reusable items like diaper covers, topstitch the seam allowance flat with a slightly longer stitch (3.5 mm). Or use a flat-felled seam to hide raw edges. Do not use a serger—it cuts the laminate.
What you are working with
- Outlet Polyester Laminate Fabric By the Yard - 58" Wide - Teal: This outlet polyester laminate fabric is 58 inches wide, sold by the yard, and features a smooth, easy-to-clean finish. The generous width allows for wide diaper covers or larger projects while the non-porous surface wipes clean quickly—ideal for waterproof sewing.
Outlet Polyester Laminate Fabric By the Yard - 58" Wide - Teal
