Veganism has become a major trend in recent years, and this also applies to the fashion industry. More and more people are looking for alternatives to leather to create a more animal-friendly wardrobe. One such alternative is what is known as "vegan leather."
What is vegan leather?
Vegan leather is a material that looks and feels like leather, but is made without animal ingredients. There are different types of vegan leather, including PVC leather, PU leather, and also leather made from natural materials like cork or pineapple fiber. However, they all have one thing in common: they are animal-free and therefore vegan.
How is vegan leather made?
PVC leather is made from polyvinyl chloride, a plastic that is recyclable and therefore a more environmentally friendly alternative to real leather. PU leather, on the other hand, consists of a coating of polyurethane that is applied to a fabric. This coating can be made to look and feel like real leather. There is also vegan leather made from cork, pineapple fiber or other plant-based materials. These are especially sustainable and environmentally friendly. Our Coated Jerseys have a PU coating that is water-based.
PU leather is usually much cheaper than real leather. It is very easy to care for and does not need to be cleaned and maintained as often as real leather. It is also water repellent. The production of PU leather is more environmentally friendly than real leather, as no animal suffering is involved and less energy and water are used. Last but not least, the alternative material is often more resistant to wear and tear than genuine leather.
Why vegan leather?
There are many reasons why people choose vegan leather. However, the most important one is that it is a more animal-friendly alternative to real leather. The leather industry is known for its exploitation of animals, and vegan leather offers a more ethical option that is aesthetically on par with the original. In addition, it is often less expensive than genuine leather, making it a more economical choice. Another advantage of vegan leather is that it is usually easier to care for than genuine leather. It is often water repellent and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Since it is a man-made material, it is also often more resistant to wear and tear.
At a glance:
Vegan leather is a great alternative to real leather and offers many benefits. It's animal-friendly, eco-friendly, and to top it off, it's often more affordable than real leather. In addition, there are many different types of vegan leather, so everyone can find the perfect option for their individual style.
When you work with it:
Our Coated Jersey fabrics, which can be found here, are super lovely and totally look like actual leather. However, there is a few things you need to beware of when sewing with them.
• It’s best NOT TO MAKE TOO TIGHT GARMENTS out of the Coated Jersey! Any seams that are exposed to tension are more prone to forming holes as well.
• Use ELASTIC STITCHES that can withstand tension well (no double lock stitching please)!
• Please DO NOT USE A LEATHER NEEDLE, but a jersey needle. This reduces the risk of damaging the stitches of the jersey.
• Use a LONGER STITCH length rather than narrow stitches. This is because these puncture the fabric and can make the seam unstable.
• Please use PUFFY SEWING threads that do not cut into the fabric and can hide any holes that may appear.
• Use a ELASTIC UNDERLAY to pre-fuse the seam sections to make the seams more stable.
• Use as FEW SEAMS as possible and double topstitch to distribute the tension better.
