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. 

Free Tutorial - How to Make Plastic Fusion also know as Plabric

How to Make Plastic Fusion

Sharing my tutorial on how to make plastic fusion:

  

SKILL LEVEL:  Easy

Materials Needed:

Plastic bags needed

        Large piece of plabric:  7 to 9 grocery store t-shirt bags

        Small piece (e.g. pocket size):  1 piece folded multiple times

Wax (Parchment) paper

Iron

Scissors (your good sewing scissors not recommended)

Hard surface

Well-ventilated area

Editor Comments:

·        Make sure bags are clean.  Give the bags a quick wiping inside and out with a damp cloth.  Just takes a few minutes but will pay off at the end.  Nothing worse than to successfully complete the fusion process only to find dirt or food residue melted into the plabric.

·        Through experience, shiny retail and/or trash bags have a tendency to resist fusing.  If you do use these, stick them  in the middle of the stack.

·        Why is 7 to 9 bags recommended:

o   Less than 7 plastic bags have a tendency to scorch more easily even under low heat. 

                   o   More than 9 plastic bags are a little harder to fuse together due to thickness.  If a thicker layer of plabric is needed for your project, go for it.  The fusion process may just take a little longer.

·        Scissors:  Due to the very nature of the material, plastic bags will dull scissors much faster than what fabric would.  Dollar store scissors are recommended.  

Pre-Fusion Preparation:

 Set the iron on a low heat setting such as polyester.

Prepare Bags:

Bottom Seam:  Stack the bags one on top of another lining up the bottom edges then cut off the bottom seams.

            

Handles:   Fold each bag in half lengthwise matching up the handles then stack the bags on top of another.  Cut the handles off at the base.

Fusion:
Cover the hard surface with wax/parchment paper.   2 strips may be needed depending on how wide the plastic bags are.  Place a plastic bag on top of the wax/parchment paper. (Important Note: Bags with print or design should be either placed in the middle or turned inside out if being used on the outside. If you want to show off the print or design on the outer layers, place a clear plastic bag over the print or design to avoid getting ink on your iron.) Continuing layering the bags one on top of another.

                                    

Smooth out the bags after each layer to remove any excess air that could get trapped in between.   Place wax/parchment paper on top to sandwich the bags in between.  Make sure there is plenty of excess wax/parchment paper on the outer edges of the bags because the bags will expand during the fusion process.

                                   

Starting in the middle, place a hot iron on the wax/parchment paper for approximately 15 seconds then press the iron out to the edges.  Continue moving the iron from the middle to the outer edge edges until the entire piece is covered. 

Before peeling the wax/parchment paper away from the plabric, check to make sure the bags have successfully fused together.   To determine this, the outer edges should not separate.  It should be one complete piece.  Gently peel away the top and bottom wax/parchment layers from the plastic fabric.   If the wax/parchment paper sticks to the plabric, take a damp rag over that area.  It comes right off.  If an area didn’t fuse while peeling, place the wax/parchment paper back over the area that needs more fusing and press with the iron.

Let me know if you have any questions.    Congratulations on keeping plastic out of the landfill!!!