Some items you will
need for Fabric Origami
- A screen for drying: Use a house screen,
sweater drying screen, or anything that will allow fabric to dry quickly.
- Fabric: 100% cotton broadcloth.
- Your favorite origami design: Or select
a design and instructions from the Fabric Origami section.
- A small spreader for applying Stiffy.
I used a credit card for a long time, then found a variety of spreaders
in paint, craft, and hardware stores.
- An iron.
- Scissors or rotary cutter/mat. You can
also cut a cardboard square to use as a template.
- A bottle of Stiffy.
Let's get started:
- Cut a piece of cotton fabric 1 inch
larger than the intended size. For instance, if you are going to use
a 6 inch square to fold, then rough cut a 7 inch square.
- Pour about 2 or 3 tablespoons of stiffener
on the fabric. Spread the stiffener with any item that will press the
solution into the fabrics and pull it away from the surface.
- Place fabric on a screen to dry. The
fabric should be saturated but not dripping.
While you wait for the fabric to dry...
Take a piece of square paper and fold your origami selection. This
paper model serves many purposes: Use the paper model to guide you when
folding fabric. The model serves as a visual reference to your printed
instructions. It defines areas for embellishments, like beading or embroidery.
The paper folds will help identify what will show and where.
And to finish
the project:
- Remove stiffened fabric from the
screen when dry.
- Iron. I use a high setting with steam.
Fabrics will go limp when heat is applied. So lay on a flat surface
to cool.
- Cut the fabric square using a rotary
cutter and cutting mat. If you do not have a cutter, make a template
from cardboard and trace with a pencil on to the backside of the fabric.
- Cut with scissors.
- Now just fold your origami selection,
like the paper model and enjoy!
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