How to make glitter laminated fabric
This is just some extra fun you can have with this whole idea of making laminated fabric.
Essentially, we’re going to sandwich in some glitter between the fabric and the vinyl. I’ve been playing around with this technique, and it’s just another fun thing to add to your DIY fabric repertoire.
Adding the glitter to the fabric
I’ve now tested this out on cotton jersey, canvas, and some shibori dyed cotton leftover from this Shibori dye Penny dress. I’ve had good results with all of them!
First, cover your ironing board with some brown craft paper. Glitter is one of those crafty contagions that gets everywhere. If you’ve read my post on sewing sequin fabric, a lot of the same rules apply here!
cotton jersey 
shibori dyed cotton
Cut your fabric and iron-on vinyl as before.
destined for glittery appliques!
Next, lay out the fabric on your protected surface. Sprinkle glitter over the surface. Don’t make the glitter layer too thick, or the vinyl won’t stick to the fabric well.
You can use the edge of a piece of paper if you like to scrape patterns through the glitter if you like.
Fusing the vinyl to the glittered fabric
Unpeel the backing from the vinyl and position the sticky side over the fabric.
Next cover the fabric with the shiny side of the backing paper. Just like before, use the heat of the iron to melt the vinyl to the fabric, holding the iron in place for 8 seconds before moving it to the next section.
Finish up by ironing the wrong side of the fabric.
Now you have DIY glittered vinyl!!!
Use your glittered vinyl for appliques or just like you would use the regular laminated fabric.
Might I suggest a 7 minute DIY zipper bag?
What will you make with your DIY laminated fabric?
Elizabeth Farr is the writer behind the Elizabeth Made This blog where she shares helpful sewing tips, step by step sewing tutorials and videos to help you explore your creativity through sewing. She has written sewing Eguides and patterns, been a featured teacher at Rebecca Page’s Sewing Summit and Jennifer Maker’s Holiday Maker Fest and her work has appeared in Seamwork and Altered Couture magazines. She also created a line of refashioned garments for SEWN Denver. When her sewing machine isn’t humming, she’s playing and teaching violin, and hanging around a good strategic board game with her husband and 4 kids.
LOVE THIS IDEA! Has to be easier than sewing a clear vinyl cover (which I’ve done..)
Have you applied the vinyl to the fabric, then cut out the pattern piece after? Is that a reasonable way to do it?
You absolutely can do that, just make sure that you have enough vinyl as there will be a little bit of waste if you do it this way.
Just cut out projects that I plan to cover with heat n bond vinyl. Originally purchased to cover some homemade pennants (diy seasonal gnomes of course) to hang on flag stands outside, but ended up using spray-on waterproofing..it was quicker and worked great! Since you’re an expert, can the “laminated” items be used as potholders, etc? Or can they be made heatproof? I used Avery fabric transfer sheets to personalize some small kitchen gifts (early Christmas things) and want to be sure they’re safe. BTW, I had no idea I was going to make laminated fabric which I’ve seen at stores. Wow, another new skill at 78. THANKS & BEST WISHES.
You do not want to use laminated items where they will have to withstand direct heat, as the plastic surface could easily melt. It’s a shame because being able to wipe things clean is so nice! If you want to make something heatproof, you can quilt 100% cotton fabrics with 100% cotton batting, and ideally 100% cotton thread. Check out the bowl cozy pattern post for some ideas on that.