Sand and debris: Chapter 7 Use of Dissolvable Fabrics

TECHNICAL SAMPLES USING ONE TYPE OF STITCH METHOD

All samples were stitched in a hoop with the exception of the water soluble paper. I first stitched a 3cms grid using a Madeira Rayon 40 thread in the top and bobbin and then a random zig-zag over the grid.

Easily my favourite was the Madeira Soluble Film which scored 5 stars for ease of stitching, ease of melting/dissolving and softness of handle. Others scored as follows:-

1 & 2 Avalon Soluble Film was like stitching into a thin Pac-a-mac. Two layers were more robust than one, but one layer works well for hand-stitching text onto fabric.
1 Layer: EASE: xxx (tears easily) MELT xxxxx HANDLE xxxxx SHRINK (slightly)
2 Layers: EASE: xxxx (tears easily) MELT xxxxx HANDLE xxx SHRINK (none)

3 Aquabond Self Adhesive Soluble Fabric with trapped threads and Avalon: Stitched without a hoop. Makes a stable surface but hard to see design when stitching because of all the trapped threads.
EASE: xxx MELT xxx (slimy) HANDLE xxxx SHRINK (none)

4 Water Soluble Paper: The thread broke frequently with the feed dogs up and it was hard to manouvre.
EASE x MELT xx HANDLE xxx SHRINK (none)

Hot Water Soluble Fabric: Although the sample has a lovely soft handle, the use of boiling water was hazardous.
EASE xxx MELT xx (hazardous) HANDLE xxxxx SHRINK (none)

6 Madeira Water Soluble my favourite. It looks and feels like a thin vilene.
EASE xxxxx MELT xxxxx HANDLE xxxxx SHRINK (none)

7. Aquafilm Romeo is a thick squeaky clear plastic
EASE: xxxxx MELT xxxx HANDLE xxx (stiff) SHRINK (none)

8. Thermogauze (Vanishing Muslin) sewed beautifully but attempts to dissolve with a hot iron failed.
EASE xxxxx MELT 0 HANDLE 0

My thanks to Gillian Swift of GILLSEW for supplying me with a WASHAWAY PACK of soluble fabrics in small sizes to try out. 01494 881 886 gillsew@btinternet.com. Each piece of film came with her written instructions and I mounted each of my samples to a copy of Gill's instructions and added my my technical notes to the back.

SAMPLES OF SOLUBLE LACE USING DIFFERENT STITCH METHODS

Using Madeira water soluble film