How do you sew with cork?
Working with cork is TOO much fun!
Hello, Makers!
You may have heard my squeals of excitement from here in Vancouver when we (finally!!) decided to take the plunge and carry cork!!Ā Cork is a really cool fabric. Itās durable, pliable, and doesnāt fray. Itās sturdy and not too thick or thin, so your sewing machine should sew it with no trouble.Ā
The stuff we have sourced is from Portugal and is sustainably harvested. The bark is peeled from the tree so it doesnāt need to be cut down, and the bark just grows back!Ā
āCork is sustainably harvested. The bark just grows back... ā
I know itās a new textile for many, so hereās some great tips for sewing with this amazing textile.Ā
1)Ā Itās not sticky like vinyl, leather, or faux leather. So you can use your regular foot! If you do have any trouble, you can put some frosted tape on the bottom of your foot, but itās never been a problem for my machine.Ā
2)Ā Use the synthetic setting on your iron, and iron the back only. You can fuse using a pressing cloth if you like. I try to just finger press whenever possible. Top stitching is oftenĀ necessary, Ā and shows off really well.Ā Ā
3)Ā Wonder Clips and magnets are yourĀ friends! Using pins will leave perforations in the cork that will not come out.Ā
4)Ā The edges donāt fray, soĀ whenĀ makingĀ straps or handles thereās no need to turn your fabric under unless you like the look.Ā
5) Trim the bulk from your corners, since cork is thicker than most sewing materials. This will make it easier when turning.
āAlicia is proud of her new cork backpack... ā
I really, really hope you love making things with cork as much as I do.Ā Tag us onĀ instagram with your makes, so we can see all the fab cork stuff you come up with!