Tutorial - How to Make a Continuous Strand of Yarn using a flat textile like sheets or curtains

Since creating the tutorial on how to make blue jean yarn (http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-make-handspun-blue-jean-yarn.html), I've learned with experience that once a seam is cut into, it becomes compromised making it vulnerable to falling apart.   So while I'm in the process of making something, it falls apart.   I have been lucky enough that some seams that are cut through are sewn stronger and stay in tact even after the fray process.  But the majority of time I end up with multiple strands of various lengths.  As a result, I spend more time than I want sewing the ends together.  And, yes this can be time consuming.

If there is a way to make yarn in a single strand with a tube, then there is a way to make a continuious strand of yarn without a tube.  I could use the 'make a slit and connect the strips' but that for me is just too time consuming.  If you haven't learned by now, I am impatient.

After much practice, I finally figured it out.    The awesome thing is this cutting method can be used on any type of material like sheets, curtains, etc..

For this tutorial, pants are used.   Feel free to skip down to the 'Cutting Method':



Cut legs off below crotch.

Cutt off bottom hem or pull out the stitches of bottom hem. 

                    

  Rip out side seams.   

1 pair of pants gives you 4 strips  

                     

                                           

Cutting Method 



                  

  Take one layer and match up the sides lengthwise.






 

Lay flat on cutting board. Starting at right edge, measure in desired width of strip, cut through bottom fold up to approx. 1/4" to 1/2" below top edge. Recommended width for each strip is not less than 1/2". 

           



This is what it will look like when cutting is done.

Lay piece flat.

   




Starting at bottom edge, cut through to make 1st strip. 



                

Each cut after 1st will be every 2nd strip to end.

This is what it will look like when all done.



Now working on the opposite side.



Starting at bottom edge, each cut will be opposite of other side.

                                                    


 If it helps, the strip looks like an upside 'V'. Cut through the middle of the 'V'.   

  


After the continuous strip is completed, go back and look at the strips and cut closer to the edge.

Not too close because you want it to hold up through the wash and driy process.

 

Here is what it looks like right after cutting but before wash/dry processing.

The wash & dry process gives yarn the frayed look.

                            

       

Here are a few other pant yarns that I have made.  I would love to know what types of yarn you make with this tutorial.  Let me know if additional clarification is needed.   By all means don't hesitate to email me at plastiquerecreations@yahoo.com if you have any questions. 

How to Make Blue Jean Yarn

Since posting my Blue Jean yarn in Etsy, I've received several requests for a 'how-to'.

Below are the steps I take to make blue jean yarn. I welcome your feedback. If you do it differently, I would love to know how you do it.

To start -

• Take a pair of blue jeans and cut the legs off at the crotch.



• Lay pant leg flat on cutting surface with one seam on top and other seam on bottom. (If you have a really sharp rotary cutter or good scissors, this can also be done in a double layer. Not sure I would go more than that but feel free to give it a try.) Cut off the bottom seam.



• Fold the bottom seam up to within 1" to 2" from top seam. (Note: the top seam is used as your stopper to keep from cutting straight thru.) Use the continuous strand method, (here is my tutorial: http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/2009/04/continuous-single-strand-strip-cutting.html) to cut up each leg. (Note: The width of the strip cut will depend on the project needs to achieve an accurate gauge. For example, 1/4" cut would work for a scarf; 1/2" to 1" would work for a rug)

Keep each strip in a separate pile.

After all jeans are cut up, either by hand or with your sewing machine - stitch the ends of each strand together with clear thread. You now have 1 very, very long strand.

Throw this very long strand in the washing machine. (If the jeans were cleaned before you started cutting, the 'rinse and spin' cycle is sufficient. If not, wash as normal.)

Then into the dryer. Be prepared for a nice surprise when the dryer stops. (Note: When it does come out of the dryer, it'll be a big mess. Be prepared to spend alittle time untangling.)

Quite honestly, the blue jean yarn is ready to go now. Feel free to get out the knitting needles or crochet hook and let the creative juices take over.

OR - go one step further and spin -

For Handspun (either with a drop spindle or spinning wheel) -
I used a single ply, so really either an 'S' or 'Z' twist is sufficient. It really doesn’t matter because you're just wanting to achieve that tight twist affect.

(My Disclaimer - I'm new to the wonderful world of spinning so my use of terms may be alittle spotty.)

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