With patent leather such a rage right now, crafty do-it-yourselfers reach for the spectacular vinyl lookalikes for sewing projects. This shiny lipstick red bag from Quick Stuff to Sew, Vol. 1 is just like a flashy convertible car ready to blaze paths to new adventures. But before you plunge into this joyride, we’ll show you how to make sewing vinyl easy.

Vinyl comes in many forms and is a cousin to the faux leathers. These plastic sided fabrics have come a long way since their naugahide ancestors roamed the earth. Today vinyls look space-aged and futuristic, and retro at the same time. We used Simplicity Sew Stylish pattern 2968, but you can use any tote pattern of your choice. Before you stitch, just read our guidelines.