PUL Fabric Guide

Sewing Bee Fabrics Tutorial

PUL (Polyurethane laminated) Fabric Guide

PUL Fabric is the most versatile waterproof fabric I have come across and yet somehow this amazing fabric has yet to make it to most fabric stores.
Originally designed for use in the medical industry to withstand repeated washing as well as autoclave cleaning, which is a high heat steam sterilising clean system, this fabric has been manufactured to be both durable and able to be easily washed at 60°c.
It has the wonderful properties of being both waterproof as well as breathable which means it will keep moisture from passing through and yet heat is able to escape.
The fabric has 2 distinct layers to make up the sides. It is made from polyester knit which then has the back side covered in a layer of polyurethane laminate. It doesn’t make any difference which way around you use it in regards to it’s waterproof properties but I personally prefer not to have the laminated side directly against the skin as it can feel sticky. Most people like to have it knit side where you can see it because of the better colour/print appearance. You can however get sandwich PUL which has 3 layers – polyester knit, PUL in the centre then another layer of polyester knit. However this is a little thicker and heavier as well as more expensive so standard PUL is normally sufficient.

The beauty of laminating polyester knit is that is has a slight stretch to it. This means that it will move with your body if you are using it as clothing, and have less chance of seams being pulled open under fabric wear and strain. Polyester is also used instead of cotton as it creates a much more flexible fabric than when woven cotton is laminated.
Laminate comes in 1 and 2mil thicknesses. Both are as waterproof as each other but 1mil is more flexible and softer and so tends to be more versatile which is why all our PUL is 1mil. The closest thing I can liken it to is similar to clingfilm in the way it moves stuck to the back of the fabric.
It is a very durable fabric with many people reporting that they have been able to use nappies made with this material for the nappy wearing duration of at least a couple of children with only the elastic needing updating between children. You can imagine how much they are getting used and washed.
PUL is not prone to creasing easily and doesn’t fray when cut which makes it great for use on lots of projects. It is also very quick to dry so suits projects that will be washed frequently very well.

So what are the downsides or things to consider about this fabric? Nothing that isn’t common to a lot of waterproof fabrics. Every time you pierce the surface of it e.g. with a pin, you are making a tiny hole which will change how effective it is at this point. However, pop it in the tumble drier on low for 20 minutes will seal the needle holes back over! Clever eh?!?!
The only other downside I have found is that sometimes you have to put a little more consideration into sewing. I find no problems if I am sewing a layer of PUL to something else, or sewing it with the laminated side in, but sewing laminate side out especially with multiple layers can be have a tendency to be sticky through the sewing machine. This can be massively reduced by using a walking presser foot, Teflon presser foot, or putting greaseproof paper between the PUL and machine and just tearing away after. I have also heard of people putting a drop of sewing machine oil on the foot / feed dog to help it glide through but haven’t tried this myself.

Want to try and use it but don’t know what to make? Here are some ideas:



CLOTHING
Rain hats and coats
Puddle jumping or fishing trousers
Costume making where you may get wet e.g. carnivals / live action role play (LARP) / re-enactments etc



HOUSEHOLD
Swim / sports bags
Picnic blanket (see HERE for tutorial)
Incontinence products
Cloth sanitary pads
Waterproof mattress and pillow protectors
Reusable bowl or plate covers (see HERE for tutorial)
Reusable sandwich bags
Lunch bags




BABY
Outer layer for nappies, nappy wraps, wet bags, nappy laundry bags
Outdoor play mats (see HERE for tutorial)
Bibs
Changing mats
Mattress cover for Moses baskets and cots
Backing for breast pads
Changing bags
High chair splatter mats (see HERE for tutorial)




This list is in no way exhaustive! If you have used PUL for something else, drop us a comment to inspire others!