Oilcloth
Historically, oilcloth was made by saturating cotton fabric with a mixture of wax and oil. The resulting fabric was thick, relatively long lasting, and resistant to water and spills. The downside to this approach was that it was highly flammable, cracked easily, and, over time, began to smell.
The oilcloth we sell is made from a thick layer of PVC (vinyl) backed with woven fabric. This makes the oilcloth strong, tear-resistant, fray-free, and relatively easy to manipulate. It can be used for a wide range of uses-- from tablecloths, placemats and shelf liner (just cut to size and you're done), to sewing projects (see our oilcloth products for ideas--which can be sewn on ordinary domestic machines), to upholstering furniture (kitchen chairs, stools, and patio furniture covers are examples of simple projects that can be completed with just a $10 stapler).
Fruta Fresca purchases its oilcloth in Mexico. We have been to the factory on a number of occasions (announced and unannounced) and we are confident the product is produced ethically and responsibly.
We sell oilcloth by the bolt (14 yards long, 47.4 inches wide), by the piece (47"x47" and 47"x60") and in packages of 4 complementary 10 inches x 47.4 inch pieces (ideal for customers who want to take on smaller crafting projects, such as scrapbooking).