Plastic Fabric Projects

A guide to creating plastic fabric projects by fusing together plastic shopping bags. The first section of this guide gives general instructions on how to fuse the plastic and make a piece of fabric. The “Get Creative” section illustrates options for adding artistic interest to the fabric. It also includes instructions for creating a cosmetic bag and simple clutch.

Resources:Videos on Etsy.comhttp://www.sustainlane.com/reviews/fusing-recycled-plastic-bags-the-eclipse-way/TVBH8AMCTFRTOIKFDYXH3IRYFDN8http://www.hobbylobby.com/assets/pdf/recycle/projects/5.pdf

Fabric Creation Materials

Iron – heat on the middle setting (Wool, Polyester or Rayon depending on the iron)Hard, heat-resistant surface like a wooden cutting board or ironing boardParchment Paper.Plastic bags. Grocery type bags work the best but thicker shopping bags can also be used. The instructions below call for 3 bags. ScissorsRotary Cutter, Cutting Mat and Cutting Ruler*Optional materials – Used Crayons, Pencil Sharpener, Colorful Plastic Bags, Dry-cleaning Bags

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Fabric Creation Instructions

Prepare the Bags1. Trim off the handles2. Cut off the bottom seam3. Smooth out the bag into a flat rectangle. Leave the side seams connected. Make sure the top and bottom edges are cut straight. You will have a double layer tube.4. Continue steps 1-3 for all bags before fusing.

Begin Fusing*Safety Note: Fusing plastic may release harmful fumes. Plan to do this part of the project in a well ventilated area. If you are unable to work outside, set up a small fan in your work area and open a few windows. This project is not suitable for small children.

1. Make sure the iron is warm, according to the settings mentioned on page 1.

2. Cut two large pieces of parchment paper that cover your work surface.The plastic will always be sandwiched between these 2 layers of paper.The bottom layer of paper prevents the plastic from sticking to the board, and the top layer of

paper prevents the plastic from sticking to the iron.

*Tip: It works best to fuse 1 bag at a time, which equals 2 layers of plastic. This project uses 3 bags, which equals 6 layers of plastic. For larger or heavy duty projects like a backpack, you may want to use 8 layers of plastic (4 bags). This calculation applies to thin grocery store type bags. If you are using a thicker plastic bag you may only need 2 or 3 layers.

3. On your work surface, lay down one piece of parchment paper, then your bag, then the second piece of parchment paper.

4. Iron the top paper. Press firmly and keep the iron moving, don't let it sit in one spot for more than a second or two.

*Tip: If the plastic piece is bigger than the work surface or parchment paper, you will need to iron in sections. When you have ironed everything covered by the paper, then lift the paper and shift the plastic to iron another section. Continue until you have ironed the entire bag. Iron from the middle out toward the edges to prevent bunching and folds.

Example of a bag ready for fusing.

6. Now lift the paper and test your fused piece.

7. Rub the fused piece between your fingers to check for adhesion. If the layers separate, you need to keep re-iron that section. It's finished when the whole thing is one fused layer. Do not over iron.

Add More Layers*Tip: DON'T try to fuse all 6 layers at once, or the middle layers will have incomplete adhesion.

1. Add the second bag.

2. Lay the new, unfused bag on top of the fused bag, cover with parchment paper and iron again, just as you did with the first bag. Iron it in sections as you did the first bag.Check again for separating, and re-fuse any areas which are not completely fused.

*Tip: As plastic fuses, it also shrinks. This may cause the fused piece to distort in shape or to curl up.If you find your fused plastic curling up too much, flip it over and fuse the next layer onto the back. This will equalize the shrinkage and flatten it out.

3. After the first 2 bags are completely fused, add the 3rd bag the same way as the second.

Trim the Plastic1. Use the rotary cutter and cutting ruler to trim your piece and make a nice clean rectangle.

Example of how to layer the bag and paper in sections.

Example of clean cut piece.

Get Creative!

Create Color Appliqués

1. Cut desired shapes out of colorful plastic bags. (Stripes, hearts, circles, etc.)2. Arrange appliqués on the base plastic in a pleasing design. They can overlap if you like.3. Cover with parchment paper and fuse them in place.4. Once all your appliqués are in place, cover and seal the top with a layer of thin, clear plastic. Dry-cleaning bags work best for this. The top layer adds a nice glossy finish and keeps the appliqués from peeling up.5. Trim the edges even with the base layer.

Color Splash with Crayons

1. Sharpen old crayons and collect the shavings.2. Sprinkle the shavings on the base plastic.3. Add a single layer of plastic. Use a clear plastic grocery bag for vibrant colors or a white plastic bag for more muted colors.3. Cover with parchment paper and iron slowly. The crayons will melt in the direction that you iron4. Trim the edges even with the base layer.

Cosmetic BagDifficulty Level – EasyEstimated time of completion – 1 Hour

Materials:Finished Plastic Fabric7” or 9” ZipperSewing MachineThread

1. Cut Plastic Fabric to desired size. Cut the fabric width according to your zipper size. If the zipper is too long, shorten it by stitching over the zipper teeth at the desired length. Fabric length should be at least 12” to 14”.

2. Put the zipper foot on your sewing machine, and sew the zipper face down against the RIGHT side of the plastic.

*Tip: Use a longer stitch length to avoid putting extra holes in the plastic.

3. Fold zipper out, so it is face up and the seam allowance is pressed towards the plastic. Use your finger to press it- do not use the iron. Topstitch on the plastic close to the zipper tape.

4. Fold the plastic, right sides together, so that the other end of the plastic lines up with the free edge of the zipper tape. The right side of the zipper should be facing the right side of the plastic. Sew them together, right sides together.

5. Reach inside the bag (it will be like a tube at this stage) and UNZIP the zipper.Now fold zipper out and topstitch the second edge, just as you did it step 2.

6. Stitch sides seams, right sides together. Make sure the zipper is OPEN before sewing the seams.

*Optional:Fold the side seam towards the bottom fold line, until the corner of the bag makes a triangle shape like in the picture.Sew a straight line ACROSS the point of the triangle. (perpendicular to the side seam)The length of this seam will be the width of the bag bottom. 2 inches is a good width.Do this on both sides, making the seams the same length.Now trim off the triangles leaving a small seam allowance.

7. Turn bag right side out.

Simple ClutchDifficulty Level – Easy Estimated time of completion – 45 minutes

Materials:Finished Plastic FabricVelcro®Glue GunSewing Machine*Optional: Embroidery Floss / Needle

1. Cut Plastic Fabric to desired size. It can be any size of rectangle you want, depending on the size of the clutch you want.

2. Fold fabric into a basic envelope shape with a top flap.

3. If using the sewing machine, start at one bottom corner and stitch along the edge of the clutch, WRONG sides together. Leave the top flap open in order to stitch around raw edge.

4. If using the embroidery floss and needle, blanket stitch all edges.

5. Use hot glue to adhere Velcro® strips to make a closure.

6. Use hot glue to adhere a decorative button or ribbon on the flap.

Start Stitching

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