Why bag makers love our clear TPU
If you've ever tried to sew with old-school clear vinyl and ended up with a sticky, stiff, frustrating mess — we've got good news. Our clear TPU vinyl is made from a flexible, beginner-friendly material that's nothing like the plastic sheets at the craft store. It's soft, smooth, and sews like a dream on a regular domestic machine. No fuss, no stickiness, no wrestling with a project halfway through.
Clear TPU vs jelly vinyl — what's the difference?
- Clear TPU vinyl — fully transparent or printed with patterns on a clear, glossy base. Made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
- Jelly vinyl — features a frosted, matte finish with a soft coloured tint. Made from high-quality PVC.
The two pair perfectly together, and both are exceptionally pliable — they bend and fold without putting up a fight.
Why our TPU/jelly vinyl works
- Soft and flexible — never stiff, never sticky, never crinkly
- Waterproof and wipeable — clean it with a damp cloth, no problem
- Sews on domestic machines — no industrial machine, no Teflon foot required (though a walking foot helps!)
- Vibrant prints — dreamy florals, fruits, animals, abstracts, and more
How to sew with TPU and jelly vinyl — pro tips
These materials sew like a dream when you have the right setup. A few maker tips to make your project a breeze:
- Warm the vinyl with a hairdryer to make it extra pliable before cutting and sewing
- Use clips, not pins — pins leave permanent holes
- Sew with a Microtex needle for clean, smooth stitches
- Use quality thread like Gutermann sew-all or Mara 70 for strength and smoothness
- Sew with a Teflon or non-stick foot to keep the vinyl gliding through your machine
- Lengthen your stitch (3.5–4.0mm) so your needle doesn't perforate the vinyl too aggressively
What you can make with clear TPU and jelly vinyl
Anywhere you want a peekaboo moment. Clear pouches, makeup bags, snack bags, organizer pouches, ID windows on bags, water-resistant beach bags, stadium-friendly clear bags, project bags, sewing tool storage, kid backpacks with a see-through panel, plant cuttings pouches, jewelry travel pouches, and morePair it with…
Add matching #5 Zipper Tape and a few Zipper Pulls to finish your build.
Looking for something a little different? Browse our broader Vinyl collection for more material options.
