Tela nylon, literally “nylon fabric” in Spanish, refers to material made from pure nylon (100% nylon fibers) – a synthetic polyamide known for its exceptional strength and versatility. Nylon was first developed in the 1930s and quickly gained popularity due to its durability and high tensile strength. In fact, nylon’s strength-to-weight ratio exceeds that of steel, meaning it can withstand great forces despite being lightweight. This fabric also has low moisture absorbency, making it naturally water-resistant (it repels water to a certain extent) and quick to dry. Thanks to these qualities – high abrasion resistance, toughness, low weight, and resistance to water and wind – tela nylon has become a go-to textile for everything from apparel to outdoor gear. Below, we’ll explore the common types of nylon fabric, its water-resistant vs waterproof properties, various uses beyond clothing, and tips for sewing this sometimes slippery material.
Types of Tela Nylon: Ripstop, Taffeta, and Oxford
Nylon fabric comes in different constructions or “weaves,” each giving the material distinct characteristics. Three popular types of tela nylon are ripstop, taffeta, and oxford:
- Ripstop Nylon – Ripstop is woven with a special reinforced grid pattern. At regular intervals, thicker threads are interwoven in a crosshatch (forming small squares), which prevents small tears from spreading. This gives ripstop nylon exceptional tear resistance and strength for its weight. Despite being lightweight, it has a slightly textured feel due to the grid. Ripstop nylon is commonly used in applications where durability is critical – for example, camping tents, sail kites, parachutes, and outdoor jackets often use ripstop, as do high-wear items like military gear and heavy-duty backpacks.
- Nylon Taffeta – Taffeta nylon fabric is a plain weave (simple one-over-one-under structure) made with fine filaments, which results in a smooth and crisp texture. It is generally lightweight with a silky or satin-like feel. Nylon taffeta provides a nice balance of elegance and practicality – it’s often used as lining material in bags or jackets and for thin windbreakers or flags. Because it’s so light, taffeta is ideal where a pure nylon fabric is needed without bulk, though it’s not as abrasion-resistant as heavier weaves.
- Nylon Oxford – Oxford nylon is identified by its basket weave (commonly a 2×2 weave), which gives it a slightly thicker, textured appearance and enhanced toughness. Oxford nylon fabrics are rugged and highly abrasion-resistant, while still being pliable and soft to the touch. This type is frequently found in products that demand long-lasting durability – think of backpack and luggage shells, tote bags, and even certain work uniforms or outdoor upholstery. Oxford weaves (including brand-name variants like Cordura) generally have higher denier yarns, contributing to their strength and wear resistance.
Waterproof vs. Water Resistant Tela Nylon
One of nylon’s selling points is its water resistance, but it’s important to distinguish “water-resistant” from waterproof when it comes to nylon fabric. Pure nylon fibers are not inherently waterproof on their own – untreated nylon will eventually absorb water and can even sag when saturated. However, nylon’s tightly woven structure and chemistry make it quite water-resistant in mild conditions. Here’s what that means:
- Water-Resistant Nylon: A densely woven nylon (like a high thread-count taffeta or ripstop) will cause water droplets to bead up and roll off the surface, at least initially. Many nylon fabrics are also treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on the outside, which enhances this effect by making the surface hydrophobic. Water-resistant tela nylon can handle light rain or splashes – for example, a typical nylon windbreaker or backpack will resist getting soaked through immediately. However, under prolonged exposure or any significant pressure (such as heavy rain or if water pools on the fabric), a merely water-resistant nylon will begin to let moisture seep in. In short, water-resistant nylon provides an initial barrier against moisture but is not impervious.
- Waterproof Nylon: To create waterproof nylon fabric, the nylon is laminated or coated with an impermeable layer that blocks water completely. Common methods include applying a polyurethane (PU) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coating to the inner side of the nylon, or impregnating the fabric with silicone (as in silnylon), so that water cannot pass through the pores of the weave. Truly waterproof nylon (often marketed for rain jackets, dry bags, or tent rainflies) will have this kind of coating and usually sealed seams – tape is applied over stitching lines to prevent water from leaking through needle holes. When nylon is properly coated and seams are sealed, it can withstand heavy rain and even significant water pressure without leaking. For example, a high-quality waterproof nylon tent fly might be rated to a hydrostatic head of several thousand millimeters of water pressure. It’s worth noting that because untreated nylon does absorb some moisture, these coatings are essential to make it reliably waterproof. In summary, waterproof tela nylon has additional layers or treatments that turn the naturally water-resistant nylon into a fully water-blocking material – ideal for outdoor gear that needs to keep you dry in a downpour.
(Tip: In everyday use, water-resistant nylon is often sufficient for items like casual backpacks or jackets, offering breathability and lower cost. But for expedition tents, rainwear, or marine uses, a fully waterproof nylon (with PU/silicone coatings and sealed seams) is the safer choice to ensure no water gets through.)
Uses Beyond Clothing: Bags, Tents, and Industrial Gear
Thanks to its strength, light weight, and versatility, tela nylon is utilized far beyond just the fashion or apparel world. Here are a few key areas where nylon fabric shines:
- Bags and Backpacks: Nylon has become one of the most popular materials for bags of all kinds – from school backpacks to military rucksacks and high-end luggage. A pure nylon fabric (often Oxford or ripstop weave) provides the toughness needed to carry heavy loads while remaining relatively lightweight. It resists abrasion from daily use or travel, and its inherent water resistance (often boosted with coatings) helps protect the bag’s contents. Many backpacks and duffel bags are made of 200D, 500D, or even 1000D nylon, balancing weight and durability. The material’s strength and durability are exactly why nylon replaced heavier canvas in many bag applications.
- Tents and Outdoor Gear: If you’ve been camping or hiking, you’ve likely relied on nylon fabric for shelter. Nylon (especially ripstop nylon) is a standard for modern tents, tarps, and hammock rainflies because it is lightweight enough to carry on long treks yet strong enough to endure wind and rain when pitched. It also doesn’t soak up much water, so a wet nylon tent will dry faster than a natural fabric would. With waterproof coatings (PU or silicone), nylon rainflies and tent walls keep campers dry through storms. Beyond tents, nylon shows up in sleeping bags (as lightweight taffeta shells), kite sails, parachutes, and other outdoor gear where performance under stress is critical. Its ability to resist tearing and withstand wind makes it ideal for these uses.
- Industrial and Safety Gear: The toughness of nylon fabric extends into industrial applications and safety equipment. High-strength nylon webbing and fabrics are used in ropes, seat belts, harnesses, and tire reinforcements, where they must handle extreme forces without failing. Nylon’s heat resistance and low moisture absorption add to its reliability in these settings. You’ll also find nylon in parachutes and military gear – early on, nylon parachute fabric proved life-saving due to its strength and light weight, and it’s still used in modern parachutes and paragliders. Likewise, firefighters’ gear and certain industrial hazmat suits incorporate nylon layers for durability. In summary, from bags to tents to industrial safety straps, nylon fabric’s unique mix of strength, durability, and light weight has made it indispensable across many industries.
How to Sew Tela Nylon (Handling Slippery Fabrics)
Sewing tela nylon can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re working with lightweight or coated varieties, because the fabric is smooth, slippery, and resistant to needles. However, with the right techniques and tools, you can successfully sew nylon for your DIY projects or product manufacturing. Here are some essential tips for handling and sewing slippery nylon fabrics:
- Choose the Right Needle: Use a sharp, fine-point needle rather than a ballpoint when sewing nylon. A standard universal needle of size 70/10 is recommended for lightweight ripstop nylon, as its sharp point will pierce the fabric cleanly. For heavier nylon (like thick oxford or Cordura), you may need to use a larger size (90/14 or even 100/16) or a specialty denim needle to handle the thicker material. Always test on a scrap first to ensure the needle makes neat holes without snagging. (Using a fresh Microtex needle for thin nylon or a denim needle for thick layers is a good practice.)
- Use Strong Synthetic Thread: Always pair your nylon fabric with a synthetic thread of equal strength. 100% nylon or 100% polyester thread is ideal for sewing nylon – these threads won’t be cut by the sharp fibers of the fabric and will hold up to outdoor conditions. By contrast, avoid cotton thread on nylon; cotton is weaker (and can rot when exposed to moisture), which could cause seams to fail. A good rule is to match fiber with fiber – nylon fabric with nylon thread (or high-quality polyester thread) for durable, long-lasting seams.
- Presser Foot and Feeding: Slippery nylon can sometimes slide around or even stick to the presser foot (especially if the fabric has a waterproof coating). To combat this, use the proper sewing machine foot. A roller foot or Teflon foot can help the nylon glide smoothly under the needle without bunching or dragging. If you have a walking foot (even-feed foot) attachment, that can be very helpful too – it feeds the top layer in sync with the bottom, preventing the layers of nylon from shifting as you sew. Reducing presser foot pressure (if your machine allows) is another trick to avoid distorting slippery fabrics. These adjustments ensure even stitches on nylon and help prevent the material from puckering.
- Optimal Stitch Length: Set your machine to a medium stitch length when sewing nylon. Very small stitches can “perforate” the fabric – much like a paper hole punch – creating a tear line. For most nylon projects, about 6–10 stitches per inch (roughly 2.5–4 mm length) is a good range for strong seams. This spacing is long enough to maintain the fabric’s integrity but still tight enough to secure the seam. If you notice the nylon puckering, try loosening the thread tension slightly or using a finer thread, but generally a slightly longer stitch helps. For critical seams on waterproof nylon, also remember to seal the seam (with seam sealer tape or glue) after sewing, since needle holes can wick water.
- Prevent Fraying: Nylon fabric, especially taffeta or ripstop, tends to fray at cut edges. To manage this, use very sharp scissors or a rotary cutter for cutting pattern pieces – a clean cut frays less. You can also heat-seal the edges of nylon: carefully run the cut edge near a flame (like a lighter) or use a hot knife tool to melt the edge just enough to seal loose fibers. (Exercise caution with this technique to avoid melting too much of the fabric or hurting yourself.) Finishing seams with a zig-zag stitch or serger can also contain fraying, but often a quick pass with a flame is the simplest way to get a sturdy, fray-proof edge on pure nylon fabric.
- Pinning and Holding Fabric: Be cautious with pins on nylon – every pinprick is a permanent hole. It’s best to avoid pinning along areas that will be exposed on the finished item. Instead, consider alternatives to hold layers together before sewing. Wonder Clips or binder clips can secure hems and seams without puncturing the material. For slippery sections, double-sided basting tape or even a washable glue stick can be used to stick layers together temporarily. If you must use pins, use them sparingly within seam allowances (so the holes won’t show or compromise waterproofing). Some sewers even hand-baste seams with long basting stitches to keep nylon layers aligned – this extra step can save headaches since nylon likes to shift.
- General Handling Tips: While sewing, support your fabric to prevent it from pulling off the table – nylon is slick, and a heavy piece can slide and skew your seams if not supported. Go slowly and steadily, especially on long seams, to maintain control. If the nylon is extremely slippery (like a silnylon), you can place tissue paper under the fabric and sew through it; the paper stabilizes the material and can be torn away after stitching. Finally, practice on scrap pieces first to dial in your machine settings. With patience and the right setup, you’ll find that sewing tela nylon gets easier and produces strong, professional results.