Sewing and Care Directions

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material, styrene budadiene rubber, that is used in products that are designed to be both flexible and durable. It is manufactured in sheets and comes in several styles and densities. Some Neoprenes have a laminate such as a Nylon Lycra or Velcro loop on one of both sides. It comes in thicknesses from 1.5mm to 7mm (about 1/16" to about 9/32").

Any Neoprene over 5mm in thickness will be difficult to sew with a home sewing machine and should be glued edge to edge. If you do sew Neoprene you'll want to use either an Overlock, Straight or a Flatlock Stitch.

The Overlock Stitch is very durable but when used on a garment it may cause discomfort due to the ridges left on the inside. To soften the edges you want to add a strip of Lycra that has been folded in half around the rough side of the Neoprene edge. This will create a non-chaffing surface.

A Straight Stitch is a very simple stitch to use and works fine on Neoprene. If you're going to use a Straight Stitch, a double straight stitch will provide a much stronger hold than a single stitch.

A Flatlock Stitch provides a seam that is both durable and comfortable. This technique requires taping to hold out leakage from the seam holes.

You will have better results using a large needle such as a Universal 16 or 18.  The smaller needles will not make a large enough hole to allow the thread to pass through easily.  Neoprene is best sewn with longer stitches, which depend on the thickness of the Neoprene and your sewing machine.  Experiment with stitches on scrap pieces until you get the results you want  but don't be afraid to go long.

All the manufacturers recommend using a Seal Sealer made for Neoprene on the seams.  Glueing the seams together before sewing will greatly increase the durability and waterproofness of the seams.

Taping is also a recommended way to joint Neoprene and get a waterproof seal.  The pieces are glued or sewn and then a heat sealable tape is applied to bond the two edges together.

Be sure to use a 100% Polyester or Nylon thread if sewing the seams.

Warm water wash and hang dry.  Do not press or use bleach.