Autumn in the UK means one thing for sure: rain. Whether you want to keep the garden furniture dry, make a lightweight rain cover for a bag or buggy, protect the kitchen table from little hands or finally replace that tired shower curtain, the right waterproof fabric makes it simple. Here's our pick of the waterproof fabrics we have in stock right now, what each one is best for, and a few tips for sewing them.
Lightweight ripstop: our newest waterproof fabric
Our Waterproof Ripstop Fabric, 150cm has just landed on the website, and it's one of the most versatile fabrics we sell. It's thin, lightweight and waterproof, with a cross-hatch grid woven into the fabric that stops small tears from spreading. That's where the name "ripstop" comes from.
- Composition: 100% polyester, around 60gsm
- Width: 150cm (60"), so you get plenty from every metre
- Price: £5.99 a metre
- In stock in: Black, Cream, White, Silver, Yellow, Lime, Emerald Green, Turquoise, Light Blue, Purple and Pale Pink
It's ideal for lightweight waterproof jackets, bags, rain covers, flags and banners, kites, play tents, awnings and camping kit. The bright shades like Yellow and Lime are great for high-visibility makes, while Black, Cream and Silver suit more practical projects such as covers and pouches.
Camouflage ripstop for outdoor and camping projects
If you'd prefer a pattern, our Camouflage Ripstop Waterproof Fabric has the same lightweight 60gsm, 150cm-wide ripstop base, printed in a camo design. It's £5.99 a metre and currently in stock in Urban, Arctic and Jungle.
Camo ripstop is a favourite for fishing and camping accessories, kit bags, tarps, den-making and outdoor play tents for kids. It's also handy for costumes and cosplay, where you want a hard-wearing fabric that won't weigh the outfit down.
Clear PVC: the wipe-clean table protector
Our Glass Clear PVC Table Protector is a transparent, wipe-clean vinyl that lets your favourite tablecloth or wooden table show through while protecting it from spills. It's 140cm wide and 0.15mm (150 microns) thick, and it's currently reduced to £6.30 a metre (was £7.00), with a half metre at £4.49 (was £4.99).
It's not just for tables, either. Clear PVC is useful for covering work surfaces and desks, craft tables, window covers, canopies and all sorts of indoor and outdoor craft projects. With Christmas dinner not far away, a clear PVC topper over a festive tablecloth is a simple way to keep it looking good all season.
Shower curtain fabric: last rolls in stock
Want a shower curtain or bathroom blind that's a bit more fun than plain white? Our Waterproof Shower Curtain and Blind Fabric is the actual shower curtain material: a plastic-style ripstop that won't tear. It's an extra-wide 182cm (72"), so one width is usually enough for a standard shower curtain.
- Price: £9.99 per metre (100cm x 182cm), with 2 metre and 5 metre lengths also available in selected designs
- Designs in stock: Flower Pots (Teal Green/Blue, Orange/Green/Red or Cream/Yellow/Blue), Fishes in Blue, Aquarium in Blue or Yellow, and Paintbrush Marks in Blue
These are the last rolls we have, and as they've been stored in our warehouse some may have a few watermarks, so it's worth ordering soon if you've spotted a design you like. As well as shower curtains, it works for bathroom blinds, splash mats, kids' messy-play mats and wipe-clean liners.
Tips for sewing waterproof fabrics
- Use clips, not pins. Pins leave permanent holes in waterproof fabric. Fabric clips hold your layers without piercing them, or pin only inside the seam allowance.
- Lengthen your stitch. A slightly longer stitch means fewer holes along the seam and less chance of puckering.
- Use a sharp, fresh needle. A new microtex or sharp needle glides through ripstop and PVC cleanly.
- Try a Teflon or roller foot for PVC. Vinyl can stick to a standard metal presser foot. A non-stick foot, or a strip of tissue paper under the foot, helps it feed smoothly.
- Keep the iron away from PVC. Finger-press seams instead. For ripstop, use a low heat and a pressing cloth, and test on a scrap first.
- Seal the seams on outdoor makes. Stitching creates tiny holes, so for items that will sit out in heavy rain, consider a seam sealant along the stitching lines.
Which waterproof fabric should you choose?
- Bags, rain covers, jackets, kites and flags: plain ripstop
- Camping, fishing and outdoor play: camouflage ripstop
- Tables, desks and craft surfaces: clear PVC
- Shower curtains, bathroom blinds and splash mats: shower curtain fabric
Stay dry this autumn
All our fabrics are cut off the roll and sent in one continuous length, so you can order exactly what your project needs. Browse the waterproof fabrics above, pick your colours while they're in stock, and get ready for whatever the British weather throws at you. If you have any questions about which fabric is right for your project, just get in touch with the Bull Ring Fabrics team and we'll be happy to help.
