LeBooBoo Big Bookish Energy Fabric: Sewing Tips

Quick answer

To sew LeBooBoo Big Bookish Energy smooth canvas backed vinyl successfully, use a sharp needle, a walking foot, and a longer stitch length. Test your settings on a scrap first to avoid skipped stitches or puckering.

Step-by-step sewing guide

1. 1. Prepare your tools and workspace: Use a size 90/14 or 100/16 sharp needle, a walking foot or Teflon foot, and polyester thread. Set stitch length to 3.5–4 mm. Keep a scrap of the same vinyl for testing. Common mistake: using a universal needle or too short stitch length causes skipped stitches and puckering.
2. 2. Cut with a rotary cutter and ruler: Place the vinyl canvas side down on a cutting mat. Use a sharp rotary cutter and a clear acrylic ruler to cut straight lines. Avoid scissors, which can drag and distort the vinyl. Checkpoint: press firmly but don't stretch the vinyl while cutting. A dull blade will tear the coating.
3. 3. Test stitch on a scrap piece: Sew a few inches on your scrap using your chosen settings. Look for even stitches, no skipped stitches, and no puckering. Adjust tension or foot pressure if needed. Common mistake: skipping this test leads to ruined project pieces. Always test with the same needle and thread you plan to use.
4. 4. Sew slowly and guide gently: Start stitching with the canvas side up if possible. Use a slow, steady speed and guide the fabric without pulling or pushing. Let the walking foot do the work. Checkpoint: if you see the vinyl sticking or the layers shifting, stop and add tissue paper on top of the vinyl.
5. 5. Finish seams with a zigzag or binding: Because vinyl doesn't fray, you can trim seams to 1/4 inch and leave them raw, or cover them with bias binding for a cleaner look. A zigzag stitch also works but avoid backstitching through vinyl—use a lock stitch instead. Common mistake: backstitching creates holes that can tear. Use a lock stitch or tie off threads by hand.

Product details

• LeBooBoo Big Bookish Energy BLACK Smooth Canvas Backed Vinyl (Half Yard): Base shipping starts at $11.99 but the product will always be shipped the cheapest method available and overages over $2 will be refunded when the order is processed. You don't need to overpay for shipping; the store automatically refunds any extra beyond $2, making it easy to order just one half-yard for a small bag project.