WHAT IS THE TECHNIQUE
- Fabric of thread: Using a sewing machine sew on mass of threads/fabric or designs with thread, yarns and other fabric on a water soluble stabilizer.
- Plastic fusing: Heating plastics so that they melt and fuse together to create new textures of textiles or items
MATERIALS:
- Fabric of thread:
- Sewing Machine
- Water soluble stabilizer
- Any Threads, yarns, fabrics, strips, trimmings
- Acrylic spray/Starch spray to help with holding shape
- Optional: object to form shape over
- Plastic fusing:
- Plastic bags
- Iron
- Baking papers
- Scissors
HOW:
Fabric of thread: Spread and pin threads and yarns on water soluble stabilizer and sew a grid like pattern using a sewing machine. Then rinse in water to remove water soluble stabilizer. For objects to be molded, leave some water soluble membrane left and use acrylic spray to strengthen and harden the molded form.
Plastic fusing: Cut the plastic bags and layer them to make a design, then sandwich them between baking paper and iron on until fused together.
What are the uses and applications of the technique?
Fabric of thread- table wear, textile/clothing, sculptures, lampshades etc
Plastic fusing is very interesting, thickness, texture vary with the amount and type of plastic used.
hard plastic tiles/coasters made entirely out of plastic bags and a mould
REFLECTION:
Fabric of thread was challenging as the sewing machine kept tearing my water soluble stabilizer. A sewing hoop would help to hold and stretch fabric in place. Regret that I did not have much material left to explore more sculptural forms that can be made using this technique.
Plastic fusing is very fun, higher heat will cause the plastic to scrunch up more quickly = more texture (holes/wavy ends/overall form) and lower heat will produce a more uniform surface which is great for sewing together
More industrial methods allow plastic to melt and mix effectively to give a marbled effect which is very aesthetically pleasing and hard to achieve via DIY. Thicker plastics (more layers) can be used to make sculptural items which can stand on their own with the use of moulds.