Contract Vinyl Fabric

Marine Vinyl Fabric

Marine vinyl fabric is manufactured with UV-treated coatings and mold-resistant backing, which makes it the standard material for boat seats, pontoon cushions, and personal watercraft. Browse the full marine vinyl collection for lines from Morbern, Nautolex, and Enduratex. This vinyl material is built to handle constant moisture contact, salt spray, and direct sun exposure without cracking or fading. 

Marine vinyl is typically sold by the yard or by the roll, and most options are 54 inches wide. Lines like Flexa Marine Vinyl can withstand over 250,000 double rubs, a durability rating that speaks to how well these fabrics hold up under heavy, repeated use. Use mild soap and a soft cloth for cleaning marine vinyl, and cover outdoor vinyl seats when they're not in use to reduce fading and extend the material's lifespan.

Automotive and Furniture Vinyl

Automotive vinyl is designed for flexibility under varying temperatures, making it a practical choice for seats, door panels, dashboards, and headliners in cars, trucks, and classic restorations. The automotive vinyl collection includes pattern-matched and OEM-style options for interior projects. 

The PVC surface resists stains and moisture, and the material can be sewn into tight corners and curved seams without losing its structure. For furniture applications, contract vinyl fabrics bring the same durability to restaurant booths, office chairs, waiting room seating, and dining chairs. Vinyl fabric provides a cost-effective alternative to natural upholstery leather while offering easier maintenance and stronger resistance to damage from spills, scratching, and daily contact.

Vinyl Fabric by the Yard for Bag Making and Accessories

Handbags, Wallets, Totes, and Pouches

Vinyl fabric by the yard is a popular material for bag making projects of all skill levels. Beginners can start with placemats, simple pouches, and key fobs, then move on to structured purses, wallets, organizers, and totes as they build confidence with the material. Experienced sewers use vinyl for professional-grade handbags and travel bags that need to hold their shape and protect contents from water. 

Because vinyl doesn't fray, it's easier to sew clean seams and finish edges without additional binding. Look for embossed or textured vinyl to add a striking, leather-like look to your finished accessories, and remember to use a Teflon or roller presser foot when sewing vinyl to keep the material feeding smoothly without creases.

Table Coverings and Home Projects

Clear vinyl and solid-color vinyl fabrics work well for table coverings, shelf liners, trays, and storage organizers around the home. Clear vinyl is a transparent, water-impermeable material that works for protective table covers, allowing the surface underneath to show through while guarding against spills and damage. 

Solid vinyl in matte or embossed finishes can be sewn into cushion covers for outdoor furniture fabric projects, bench pads, or accent pieces that need to stand up to moisture and easy wiping. Vinyl fabric is available in glossy, matte, and embossed finishes, so you can match the style of your space while gaining the low maintenance and durability that vinyl is known for.

Sewing and Caring for Vinyl Material

Working With Vinyl Fabric on a Sewing Machine

Many regular sewing machines can handle vinyl fabric, but thicker vinyl (especially marine and automotive grades) may require a heavy-duty or industrial machine. Use a size 16 or 18 leather or denim needle, and switch to a Teflon, roller, or walking foot to prevent the vinyl surface from sticking. 

Lengthen your stitch to around 3.0 to 3.5 mm to reduce the chance of perforating the material along the seam line. Vinyl doesn't forgive needle holes, so pin only within the seam allowance. Polyester upholstery thread provides the strength and flexibility these projects need, and you can use clips instead of pins to hold layers together without leaving marks on the surface.

Cleaning and Storage

Wipe vinyl fabric with a soft cloth and mild soap to clean everyday dirt and stains. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, and abrasive pads, which can damage the surface and lead to cracking over time. 

For marine vinyl and outdoor furniture vinyl, cover the material when it's not in use to protect it from extended UV exposure. Store vinyl fabric flat or in gentle rolls rather than folding, which can cause permanent creases. With basic maintenance, vinyl fabrics hold their color, texture, and flexibility for years across indoor and outdoor applications.