Every fabric has a unique property that makes it stand out from myriad options in the fashion business. For the latex fabric, it is its shimmering and shiny quality.
These rare qualities of the fabric are believed to be responsible for its smooth transitioning from being an ordinary material used for making diapers, surgical gloves, and straps into making fashionable garments that have pervaded our fashion runways today.
However, even though garments from this fabric have continued to win the hearts of many fashion enthusiasts around the world, the situation might be different from the perspective of a sewist, as many still ask me, can you sew latex fabrics?
Sewing latex can be difficult, so to some extent, I can relate to that, and that’s why I have written this helpful article to help you. You will learn what is latex fabric, what fabrics contain latex and how to sew latex fabric.
What are Latex fabrics?
Latex fabrics is a stretchy material made from sheets of Latex. The fabric is widely known for its shimmering and shiny qualities, making it one of the best materials for making all sorts of clothing articles, such as leotards, gloves, stockings, and body suits. Latex fabrics are also used in making rubber cloaks and hoodies.
Can you sew Latex?
Yes, you can sew Latex fabrics, but it is not advisable. Sewing latex is not a technique recommended for the fabric. This is because every stitch made with a needle on the material has the possibility of damaging it, which usually results in cracked seams.
Although some sewists will tell you the cracked seam is desirable in some circumstances and that the defect can be made durable by adding more Latex strips to the seam, it is still not ideal.
Instead of sewing your latex fabric, the safest way of joining them together is by gluing them with rubber cement.
Is Latex a fabric?
Yes, Latex is a fabric. Latex fabrics are a natural clothing material obtained from rubber, and since its grand entrance into the fashion industry, designers have been exploring the fabric to make various clothing items. Clothing articles made from this fabric are known to be resistant to tears and are generally resilient.
Is there another name for Latex
Unfortunately, Latex has no other name. However, you can also call them rubber fabric since they are made from rubber.
What fabric is similar to Latex?
Vinyl is believed to have some of the properties of Latex, hence the reason why most people who can’t afford latex materials often opt for Vinyl fabrics since they are cheaper. These two fabrics are so similar in appearance that it can be hard to tell the difference between both materials unless you have been working with either material for a while.
Is Latex safe to wear?
Yes, it is safe to wear Latex fabrics. Latex is a natural fabric obtained from rubber and is considered not to be toxic to humans. However, this cannot be said of people who are sensitive to the material. Exposure to Latex can lead to an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis: condition experts have proven to be deadly.
What fabrics contain Latex?
Any clothing item that has elastic will have Latex materials in them. Some of these outfits include underwear, pants, or a coat that has fitted cuffs.
What can Latex be used for?
Apart from the clothing types mentioned earlier, Latex can also be used for making medical gloves, rubber bands, chewing gum, tennis shoes, swim caps, catheters, balloons, and mattresses, to mention a few.
Can fabric bandages have Latex?
Yes, fabric bandages can have Latex. Ordinarily, polyester, cotton, and synthetic rubber are commonly used for making fabric bandages. However, it is worth stating that while fabric bandages made from the materials mentioned earlier may be latex-free, some bandages contain Latex to some extent.
Therefore, if you are concerned about the latex content of a bandage, it is advisable to check the package of the product before buying. Manufacturers usually state clearly whether or not their product is Latex free.
Where to buy Latex fabrics
You can buy your latex fabrics online, and you can also get them from any of the stores listed below.
- Target departmental store.
- Blick art materials
- Walmart Supercenter.
- White Lutos home
- Canal Rubber supply co.
- World-class textiles.
Is Latex fabrics thick?
Yes, Latex fabrics are quite thick. The thickness of Latex fabrics ranges from 0.25mm to 1.05mm, but the ideal thickness of latex material for making cloth should be within the range of 0.4mm to 0.5mm.
Can you fix rips on Latex fabrics?
Yes, you can mend any ripped parts of Latex fabrics. Rips on Latex garments can also be repaired just like you do for every other garment made with other fabrics. The only slight difference to mending a latex fabric is that it can’t be sewn; instead, you attach seams on the fabric with glue. You will find out later how you can join latex fabrics with glue.
How to glue latex clothing?
- Clean the seam area of your latex fabric with acetone or mineral spirit. And this should be carried out in a well-ventilated area.
- Some parts of the seam area may curl after cleaning. Just wait until the cleaning agent dries: it will flatten afterward.
- Overlap the seams and apply the glue on top of the fabric’s wrong side and another below the fabric’s right side. See to it that the glue is not more than 1cm wide on each piece, then wait for the adhesive to dry.
- Carefully join the two pieces together and secure the bond by applying pressure on the fabric with a roller.
- If some glue bits are on the unwanted area of the fabrics, you can remove them by sprinkling them with Talcum powder.
- Pull the sides apart to see if the bond between the seams is firm.
What’s the best glue to use for Latex fabrics?
Well, you cannot use just any kind of glue or adhesive for your Latex fabrics because while some will not work at all, some may damage your fabric. A solvent-based glue like Rubber cement is the best adhesive for your Latex fabric.
References:
- https://www.moodfabrics.com/fashion-fabrics/other-fabrics/latex
- http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Latex.html
