What is the technique?

Fabric of thread is a technique where recycling old fabrics or fabric trimmings, scraps, threads and yarns to create an unconventional fabric through the use of water soluble stabilizer. The water soluble stabilizer enables the thread fabric to be molded into the desired shape.

 

What are the materials needed?

• Sewing machine
• Water soluble stabilizer
• Threads, yarns, fabric strips, fabric trimmings
• Pins (to secure the material together)
• 3D Object Moulds (to form the shape)
• UV-resistant clear acrylic spray
• Water (to dissolve the plastic)

 

How to achieve the technique?

1. Create the designs with threads, yarns, etc. freely or as planned, on the 1^st layer of the water-soluble stabilizer.

2. Sandwich the threads with another piece of the water-soluble stabilizer.

3. Secure the threads and plastic with pins.

4. Set-up sewing machine with the intended coloured thread to use for stitching the pieces together.

5. Let the sewing begin until you’re satisfied with how much you want to sew.

6. Dip the finished piece into a bowl of water (warm preferred)

For wearable pieces (eg: scarfs, fashion items, etc.), wash thoroughly to remove all gluey membrane.

For moulding over a 3D object, stop washing once the stabilizer dissolves as it has to be still sticky to be able to mould onto a form.

7. Leave it to dry (on a 3d mould object or flat)

8. Once fully dried, spray them with acrylic spray to harden up the completed piece.

 

 

What are the uses and applications of the technique?

• Wearable item
• Holders
• Containers
• Lampshades
• Table runner/cloth

 

Photos of experimentation with technique

Results of Set #1

 

Results of Set #2

Own personal reflections

 

I enjoyed the process while experimenting with this technique as the stitch thread designs forms a beautiful creation. The designs can be achieved both planned and unplanned. I like the choice of playing with the threads, yarns, fabric strips/trimmings/scraps to create the desired pattern, and the stitching with the sewing machine adding in more details and patterns.

 

While experimenting, I imagined myself using this technique for the final project as it makes me want to create something 3-dimensional.