Top 10 Tips for Sewing Chalkboard Fabric
Let imaginations run wild, stay organized, or jazz-up a party with chalkboard fabric. The lightweight black fabric with the trademarked name of Chalkcloth is 47″ wide. You can write on it with chalk, wipe it off with a damp sponge or cloth, and use it again. It is safe for all ages as this product passes CSPIA (Consumer Safety Product Improvement Act) tests.
10 Sewing Tips for Using Chalkboard Fabric
- Cure the chalkboard fabric: Lay the fabric right side up, and rub the entire surface with chalkboard chalk, first in the horizontal and then in the vertical direction. Clean the fabric with a damp cloth; then repeat the process.
- Use a wool setting on your iron and a dry press cloth; press from the wrong side to remove wrinkles.
- Press seams using a wooden pressing tool, such as the Little Wooden Iron.
- Stitch with a Teflon Foot for best results. If you use a standard presser foot, use tissue paper or wax paper between the fabric and the presser foot for a smoother glide.
- Use a size 80 Universal Needle.
- Pin with Wonder Clips or double-sided basting tape.
- Set the sewing machine for a longer stitch length, 3.5 mm. Shorter stitches weaken the fabric.
- Select all-purpose thread for both the needle and the bobbin.
- Use regular chalkboard chalk or Chalk Markers to write on the chalkboard fabric. (Avoid sidewalk chalk.)
- Cut the rectangular shapes for projects using a rotary cutter, ruler, and mat. Cut single layers, not folded fabric. as the thickness of the fabric may cause shifting during the cutting process.
Chalkboard Projects
Make message boards, easels, trays, pennants, coasters, placemats, tablecloths, runners, children’s portable chalkboards, floor mats, books, game boards . . . whew, there are LOTS of options. Here are a few examples of the 25 chalkboard projects designed by the Sewing With Nancy staff.
Felt Backed Table Runner
There’s a simple felt backing on the table runner that not only protects the table, but also eliminates the need for batting. The binding on this runner is easy to stitch with rounded corners and not miters!
Tabletop Chalkboard
Use an acrylic photo frame for a handy message board. Leave notes and gentle reminders on this portable message board.
Chalkboard Trays
These handy trays wipe clean, can be personalized or labeled with chalk, plus they store flat!
Chalkboard Floor Mat
This mat is for those large artistic projects. Unroll the mat on the floor and kids can draw to their heart’s content.
Instructions for 25 Chalkboard Projects
Looking for a great gift idea, you can’t lose with Charming Chalkboard Projects! There are 25 chalkboard sewing projects with all the needed instructions and featured appliqués. Short and sweet—it’s all there for you!
Carrie S
Love this Book! I bought while at the store….
Mary Green
I sewed up the chalkboard roll for my oldest granddaughter. I forgot to snap a pic but it turned out cute. It was huge. Will photograph her using it the next time I get up to visit, hopefully in October. Thanks for reintroducing me to this fabric. Other ideas very cute too. I’ve been a viewer of your TV series for 20 plus years.
Starla
I love the chalkboard fabric! Another set of projects for my granddaughters…
VickiT
Wow. So many great ideas! I’ve wanted to make some placemats for my Grandchildren for a few years and just haven’t gotten around to doing it yet. These tips are definitely going to help me when I do. Thank you.
Roxana W
Thank you for the suggestions/tips! I made items using the fabric and certainly could have used them then. I’ll have to look up the book since I have more of the fabric on hand.
Cecilia
Would love to have this book and to make some of the projects using this fabric.
Susan Brennand
Wow, maybe now I will use that chalk board fabric I have! Very nice thank you
Mary Ellen
Why am I so amazed; I should be used to this by now.
You and your staff come up with some of the most creative ideas for us each and every time.
I love the car mat; which can easily turn in to a Tic Tac Toe board. Or…a smaller version can be a practice board for “quilting feather” practice.
Gail Beam
I would love to win this book to make some projects for my daughter who teaches art. I always love your tips, techniques, and videos. I always learn something new.
Peggy V
Wow so many great ideas!!! Purchased the chalkboard fabric at Sewing Weekend. Would love to have to book to make these great projects!!!
Linda Rupe
I adore my neighbors and their children but struggle to come up with neighborly gifts for them. These projects are perfect for moms and kids! Thank you for helping me be a better neighbor!
Pat Steckman
Still have the fabric in a bag – looking forward to making a “drawing board” or 3 to keep in car when spending time with grandkids. They are always asking for paper and pens to draw as we travel around so these will fit the bill and they can quit “discussing”!!!! who gets what pen/pencil and what size paper or how much. Thanks for the tips. Keep reviewing your shows I have DVRed – especially your 30 years shows.
Karen R
Our Quilt Guild is having a Boutique next Spring and there are a lot of projects that our ladies could make to raise funds to help support he Guild.make the Boutique a big success. Thank you.