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PREPARING THE CLOTH

Fabric Selection

Most light cotton or cotton blend fabrics work well for the stiffening and folding process. Very delicate and slick fabrics such as silk can stain and don’t fold well. Very coarse or heavy fabric, like corduroy or velvet, should also be avoided. Many quilt stores sell a variety of pre-cut fabric squares that are popularly known as “fat quarters.” These packages give you a nice selection of complementary colors and are very reasonable in price. Other wise, you should cut fabric to your required square size before treatment.

Remember to use caution with scissors and cutting utensils.

Stiffening the Cloth to Hold

Your objective is to apply stiffening agent to the fabric that will allow it hold the fold. Your choice of product is largely determined by the project and what you expect from the fabric. A project with many complicated folds requires a light but stiff coating of a liquid adherent. You can choose from several commercial stiffening products like a spray starch or a specifically made brand product like Stiffy. Easier folds can be achieved by bonding fabric with fusible web products, such as Wonder Under. There are many new machines such as the xyron available for cutting and bonding as well.

Some scrapbook stores make laminating and sticker machines available for customer use during certain hours of the day.

These commercial products are available in most craft stores. Remember to read instructions and use adequate ventilation.

Iron Out the Details

Any wrinkles in your square piece of fabric should be pressed out using a press cloth and warm iron.

Getting wrinkles out is much easier before treatment.

SECRET FORMULA and

Liquid Adherent Instructions

The secret formula came about as our test team sought the formula for the easiest, cheapest, and most reliable liquid adherent product. The fabrics used for the projects in this book were treated using the following formula:

Secret Formula

• 4 cups (1 liter) water

• 1 cup (250 ml) Elmer’s Glue-All

You will be able to treat about a yard of material with this combined amount.

Materials List

• Cotton or cotton blend fabric

• Fabric stiffener or SECRET FORMULA

• Water

• Large bowl for mixing and dipping

• Whisk or fork to stir

• Iron

• Cutting Tools

• Hanging rack or a clean slick area for drying the cloth (Plastic garbage bag or tinfoil can be used)

Step 1: Cut and iron your fabric

Step 2: Prepare the Formula

Step 3: Immerse the cloth in the Formula or stiffening agent.

Step 4: Smooth excess liquid with your fingers as you remove it from the bowl.

Step 5: Hang them to dry on a line or rod

Your finished product will look like this.

Last Minute Gifts

MAXIMIZE—Many of these projects are suitable for a grand scale installations as wall art, centerpieces, or wall hangings. You can cluster creations of different colors to create stunning murals or displays.

MINIMIZE—Popular origami trends indicate challenges on a microscale, so for some of these projects you can go small and make smaller items that can be used as hairclips, earrings, pins, charms, hat decorations, and even attached to flip flops or crocs.

You can easily impress your friends and relatives with these charming, handmade, and artistic creations. Half the fun is choosing the fabric to personalize the gift to match favorite colors, hobbies, interests, or decor. This makes fabrigami a great way to make something thoughtful, unique, and beautiful.