What is the technique?
Fabric of threads is a method where a new piece of fabric is created through putting together threads, scrap fabric and trims. The ‘fabric’ is then sewed together with water soluble stabilizer, placed in water. And lastly, molded into the desired shape.
What are the relevant materials needed for the technique?
- Sewing Machine
- Water Soluble Stabilizer
- Threads, ribbons, trims, cloths
- Pins (to secure the materials)
- Mold (to shape the fabric)
- Container with Water
- Acrylic Spray
How to achieve the technique?
- Create the ‘fabric’ using threads, ribbons, trims, cloths, etc.
- Secure the design between 2 pieces of water soluble stabilizer with pins.
- Sew the materials together with thread, and remove the pins as required.
- After the ‘fabric’ has been sewed as desired, place it into a container filled with water.
- For wearable like scarfs, wash until all the water soluble stabilizer has been remove.
OR
For object where a certain shape is required (e.g. hat, pen holder, etc), slightly dip the ‘fabric’ into the water to dissolve the stabilizer, and while the fabric is all sticky, put it on the mold. - Allow the fabric of threads to dry.
- Spray with Acrylic Spray to harden the final piece.
What are the uses and applications of the technique?
This technique can be used to make scarf, hats, pen holder, lamp shade, curtains, and many more. It function as both fabric and a solid material depending on the technique used.
Photos
Dragonfly created using embroidery threads
Design secured between two piece of water soluble stabiliser
The design sewed together
Submerged in water
Let dry on a mold
Final outcome
Own personal reflections
I personally do not really like this method, because it required mixing a lot of threads and fabric scrap together, and the outcome is not easily controllable.
However, through this method I realised that not only plain thread can be used, but also knots(e.g. chinese knots) or fabric that has already been modified.
The use of water soluble material gives many possibility to what a fabric can become because it let fabric become something that is not just soft, but retain it’s shape, which can then be made into many different product.