Still Wild: Fusing Plastic!

In my last post, I managed to "build stitched layers" successfully!  So, next up to try out of the Sew Wild book is Fusing Plastic! Author Alisa Burke writes that "plastic bags are easy to transform with heat."  "When fused together, they create a versatile and strong surface that you can paint, alter, and use in mixed-media and sewing projects."  Burke goes on to say that she likes to use Target bags for her plastic fusing projects.  Unfortunately for me, I could only find one of these bags in my house.  What can I say?  I'm more a Walmart shopper.  I have a million Walmart bags, but these bags are mostly all white (and boring), so I decided to use a few plastic sacks from my daughter's favorite store, Justice.

  

   

The instructions for this technique begin on page 68.  There are basically 6 steps in this process.  First, collect your plastic sacks and cut the bottoms and the handles off.  Next, stack the bags on top of a scrap piece of fabric.  Smooth out any wrinkles and then place another piece of scrap fabric on top.  With your iron on low, "press slowly back and forth across the surface."  Once the pieces are fused together, remove the scrap fabric pieces and your fused plastic is "ready to stitch or paint."

So, was it really this easy?  Yes, for the most part.  However, I think because the Justice bag plastic is heavier or thicker than that of Target or Walmart bags, the low setting on my iron didn't cut it.  I had to crank it up a bit and press relatively hard to achieve fusion.  Using a zigzag stitch and hot pink thread, I made a quick wallet using my fused plastic.

I didn't plan it, but I like how the words, "be positive" and "share your light" ended up on the inside of the wallet.  Pretty cool huh?

Okay, another Sew Wild project completed!  What's next?  How about glue resist?!  Sounds fun!

Tootles!