Stiffening Small Items
Summary from Quiltnet by Sharon
These are the suggestions I received in response to my question about
how to make small quilted items stiff without having them yellow.
Thanks everybody!
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From: KM
What about a commercial fabric stiffener such as that used for stiffening
doilies and other crocheted lace items ??? Not sure about what it does
as far as yellowing or deterioration .... Usually used on white crochet
thread ....
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From: MG
I haven't tried these on quilted things, but I have done them with
crocheted and tatted things. I use either spray starch or a sugar/water
solution. I've done these to small tatted Christmas ornaments. They haven't
yellowed, but they have gotten a bit brittle over the years. These are
probably 8 years old now.
I can't remember the exact proportions of sugar to water, but I think
it wasn't high enough to warrent boiling the water to dissolve the sugar. I
dipped the ornaments in it, and set it on waxed paper or aluminum foil to dry.
It probably takes a day or so to dry. Am I being vague enough for you? :^)
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From: Melissa
Sharon: At House of Fabrics on Saturday, I saw some glossy clear stuff on a
roll (a la Contact paper) that, when bonded with fabric, is flexible, clear
and shiny. They used it for bibs (wipe-able) and hats (rain proof). This
may be the type of thing you're looking for.
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From: Marjorie
I have used a liquid fabric stabilizer/stiffener that comes
in a plastic jar. I don't remember the brand name, but I
bought it at my local needlepoint and knitting shop. I
used it on petitpoint (tiny) so I could seal raw edges, stiffen
the pieces, cut up to the stitching, and turn the petitpoints into
brooches. So far (3 years), the work hasn't become discolored.
Perhaps you could find this stuff (it looks like white Elmer's
glue) at your local needlepoint, craft, quilt, or fabric store,
such as Minnesota Fabrics, Hancocks, House of Fabrics, etc.
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From: Pat
The craft stores have a liquid call 'Stiffy' for making fabric bows.
This drys clear.
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From: Marina
Cross stitchers use some stuff called "Needlework Finisher" to make
small, stiff items like jewelry. You can find it in needlework shops.
I can't say about "not yellowing with time", since it has not been
around for eons, but it fits your other requirements. It is also
waterproof after it dries. The other thing you could try is the new
iron-on plastic lamination sheets, I've seen it in a couple of quilt
shops now.
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From: Susan
I use liquid starch, full strength, on my tatted
pieces. I haven't noticed any yellowing after
5 or 6 years. Soak them in the starch, let
dry, then iron. It does wash out tho.
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(I asked Susan what kind to use.)
From: Susan
Gee, I don't know. My bottle has been
hanging around for years. I don't think
there are many choices, tho. Look for
liquid starch, not spray starch.
The directions for the liquid stuff
say to use something like 1 part starch
&3 parts water &put it in a spray bottle.
I haven't read the directions in years because
I only use it for tatting &then I use it
full strength. I think it's called Magic
or something. It could be hard to find.
Might be available in a Ben Franklins or
one of those old fashioned hardware stores
that have everything.
For what it's worth, tatting books often
suggest stiffening in a boiled sugar mixture.
I think the sugar approach avoids yellowing,
but I don't like the idea because I would
expect it to attract bugs.
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From: JD
HI! Go to the local art supply store and try the acrylic paint varnishes
used for acrylic paintings. Don't get the hobby material it may yellow try
Windsor Newton, Golden or one of the other professional brands. They also
make a clear gel that is used to extend pigment and give it some
translucency. Most of these products look milky wet but all should dry
clear and stiff but not brittle.