TCP - Top Coat Polyester
Developed by us here at NFCO., TCP was designed after years of observing a lack in the market for a good quality product that suited current market trends. With convenience and adaptability in mind, our TCP offers something, no other readily available fabric has. Amazing colourful designs, with a waterproof coating that can be simply wiped clean, making inconvenient spills and mess, a thing of the past.
TCP is designed with a clear, semi gloss laminate, bonded over the fabric design, unlike a pul fabric that has the waterproof laminate bonded behind the fabric design. Slightly thicker in feel to our pul but still soft, pliable and very durable. Suited for repeated wear and easy to use.
PLEASE ALLOW: and understand there may be variations with ink colours between print runs and between different fabric bases. Colours may differ between your monitor or phone display and the finished print. This is something that while we do try to minimise occurring, can happen with custom digital printing and is out of our control. This is not considered a fabric fault and will not be treated as such.
PUL NOTE- Due to the manufacturing process of this product, there may be a residual overhang of laminate left after the bonding process is complete. If this is the case, simply trim and discard any waste and dispose of thoughtfully. While we will endeavour to tidy any fabrics up prior to supplying them, this is not considered a fault, nor will it be regarded as such.
What are some ideas I can make with this fabric?
Art smocks, rain coats, aprons, shower caps, bag lining, change mats, mattress protectors and more.
WASHING AND CARE OF TCP FABRIC - (use as a guide only)
You may pre-wash TCP the same way you would intend to wash your finished product but it isn’t required.
We recommend machine washing fabrics with like colours on a cool, gentle cycle. Avoid any harsh detergents, bleach or softeners. White vinegar works great to retain absorbency and softness while baking soda can help to deodorise any stubborn smells from the fabric. Do not wring fabrics out, simply shake out creases and line dry immediately after washing, in shade and inside out to best retain fabric colour and integrity.
PUL can be washed up to 60C and tumble dried on a cooler setting.
Do not iron.
SEWING TIPS FOR YOUR TCP FABRIC
Similar to sewing with PUL fabric. TCP can be a little more tricky than other fabrics to sew, but from all reports, most people think our TCP is easy and a dream to sew with.
Some tips to get you going with TCP are-
Skip the prewash if you choose as it’s not needed with TCP as there will be minimal to no shrinkage with this fabric.
Use fabric weights or a projector when cutting your patterns. Using pins is not advised as piercing the laminate will compromise the fabrics water resistance. Use a rotary cutter and self healing mat so as to remove the need to lift or move the fabric when cutting.
If there are any deep creases in the fabric, these may be removed by placing the TCP, laminate side down on an ironing board and using a thin piece of cotton fabric placed over the backing, lightly iron on a synthetic setting. Avoid ironing directly onto the TCP or the laminate side and do not hold heat in one area for too long. Always test on a corner or edge first.
Use fabric clips to secure TCP when sewing instead of using pins.
Use a good quality polyester thread with a small ballpoint or stretch needle and a slightly longer stitch to help get the fabric feeding through your machine. Cotton thread may absorb and draw moisture, making it counter productive to retaining any water resistance. Cotton thread may also mould if wet bags are not dried thoroughly and moisture gets trapped.
If you find the TCP too slippery when sewing, try using a walking foot or Teflon foot. Alternatively if you have neither you could try sewing with a piece of tissue paper underneath the laminate to give the feed dogs something to drag through the machine. This can then simply be removed and thrown away after sewing.
Have fun and happy sewing!