Tyvek - Nonwoven for DIY and MYOG

Tyvek is a nonwoven material developed by DuPont and consists of 100% polyethylene fibers. During production, fine polyethylene fibers are compressed into a dense, paper-like nonwoven fabric. No solvents or adhesives are required for this process. The result is a material that is neither woven nor paper, but a nonwoven fabric made from 100% polyethylene fibers. The random alignment of the fibers ensures uniform strength in all directions, and the microscopic openings between the fibers allow water vapor to escape while preventing liquid water from penetrating.

Tyvek combines many properties that make it the ideal material for DIY, MYOG or even design projects: it is extremely lightweight, breathable, tear-resistant and has an attractive appearance.

When new, many Tyvek variants are waterproof. This is achieved by the dense structure of the polyethylene fibers. However, when used, this structure breaks down and the material becomes softer. It is therefore possible that Tyvek is not permanently waterproof. For applications where the fabric needs to be permanently waterproof, fabrics with a waterproof coating are more suitable.

The soft structure versions impress with their soft feel, which becomes even softer with use. Hard structure Tyvek has a paper-like, stiff feel. This material also becomes softer with use. Both versions are easy to work with and are flexible enough for sewing.

Sewing tips for Tyvek:

• Use a medium to large needle size (70-90)
• Set the stitch length between 2.5-3.5 mm
• Polyester or nylon thread is ideal.
• Before sewing, you can lightly crumple Tyvek to make it softer.
• Special Tyvek adhesive tapes can be used for gluing. However, we recommend sewing Tyvek for permanent connections. Although the adhesive tapes hold very well, the compressed structure of the fibers is not sufficiently firmly bonded to ensure a reliable hold. The adhesive surface can therefore tear under high stress.
• The material can be cut to size with normal scissors

Special features of use

• Tyvek can wear out and become softer over time, which is even desirable for some DIY projects
• It can be painted or printed on with permanent markers.
• The material can be softened by simply washing or crumpling it.
• Tyvek is not a particularly abrasion-resistant material. use, the surface may become fluffy, meaning that individual, thin fibers stick out. While Tyvek is also widely used in construction and as packaging material, its unique combination of lightness, durability, and water resistance makes it an ideal material for creative DIY and MYOG projects.

Our Tyvek-fabrics: