6 Sensational Uses for Oilcloth

I've noticed that there's one subject that keeps popping up in a lot of my posts — oilcloth. I simply adore oilcloth for its many, many uses. In fact, the durable, colorful fabric has become my go-to choice for many household projects. Herewith, a collection of 6 uses for oilcloth.

Make an oilcloth storage cube. Making your own storage cube means you can create one in whatever size you need. Whether you need one cube for office supplies or several cubes to line a shelf, here's a how-to for making for you own.
Cover a wall in oilcloth. I used faux bois oilcloth to cover the walls in my office closet. Oilcloth was incredibly easy to work with — I simply stapled it to the wall — making it an appealing alternative to wallpaper.
Use as shelf liner. Because oilcloth is waterproof and easily wiped clean it makes wonderful shelf liner. I used gingham oilcloth to line my shelves. It gives the inside of my kitchen cabinets a pop of color while also protecting the shelves from water damage or food spills.
Make an oilcloth laundry bag. Similar to the storage cube, this hanging laundry bag is a novel way to collect dirty laundry when there's not enough room for a hamper.
Restyle a table or chair. If you find yourself with a table or chair that is still sturdy but lacks in the looks department, consider covering the top with oilcloth.
Make outdoor pillows. Fall may be upon us and thus limiting our outdoor activities, but that's no reason to pass up making outdoor pillows. So maybe you won't get to use them until next spring. At least you'll have something to look forward to over the long winter months!

Images: Jason Loper

Comments (13)

I bought a huge piece and hung it fuzzy side out in my sewing room. Instant quilt board! I can rearrange blocks and visualize projects as I move forward with them. Much cheaper than a premade "quilt wall" and much larger.

Have any online sources for oil cloth? I haven't found too many places that sell modern prints.

Ikea now has it - spots are cute

purl soho has a few cool designs... as does cabbage and rose

Hart's Fabrics sells it online: http://hartsfabrics.com/

I have to add, since I followed this link from Ohdeedoh, that the store where I bought mine explicitly said they don't recommend making children's items because it's full of 'yucky chemicals and isn't BPA free'.

I don't know have personal knowledge of how oilcloth is manufactured, but I imagine it would be good to know before getting food involved.

There, my un-fun .02 for the day!

I've gotten a bunch off of etsy

For food items, Laminated Cotton is supposed to be safe. Similar to oilcloth, but manufactured in a different way. Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner, and other designers have lines of laminated cotton. Sadly, most of those are out of my price range!

Oilcloth is made from PVC, which typically contains BPA and can off-gas dioxins, lead and mercury (www.chej.org has a lot of info about PVC). It's not a good material for anything that comes close to food, such as pantry shelf lining or table cloths, or anything that kids might put in their mouths, such as bibs or aprons.

I get all sorts of oil cloth products from http://www.bassrivershoerepair.com/the-cobblers-wife.html. She will sew in custom pockets in bags -- I have a diaper bag that she made with custom pockets for cell phone, keys, etc.

Modern "oilcloth" is typically vinyl that uses lead as a softener. Please don't use it for lunch bags, tablecloths, shelf-liners, or anything that comes in contact with food or people's hands while they're eating.

Oil cloth is pvc and nasty. It shouldn't be used for anything that comes in contact with food or children.

There are a few brands of imported (and very expensive) materials that look and act like oil cloth but aren't. Laminated cotton is another idea.

I love oilcloth bags and wallets and got several presents from this great blog http://diannajessie.wordpress.com/