How to Use Sewing Patterns to Make Paper Pulp
Sewing pattern paper has a unique texture and delicate nature that is easy to turn into paper pulp. This is a great way to recycle patterns you no longer need or that you've picked up for pennies at a garage sale or thrift store. Scraps from cutting out sewing patterns may also be saved and used, when you have enough, to make pulp for paper mache or paper making projects.
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Things You'll Need
- Sewing pattern paper
- Large bowl or bucket
- Hand mixer
- Classroom paste
- Paper making screen
Instructions
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Open the pattern paper and tear into pieces that are about 1 inch square. Places all of the pieces in a bucket or large bowl. Tear enough paper so the bucket or bowl is filled.
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Dump the paper squares out of the bowl or bucket and fill it halfway with warm water. Add the paper squares to the water. Stir as you add the paper so all of the pieces get wet. Sewing pattern paper is delicate, so stir gently.
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Let the paper sit in the water for 24 hours. Use a handmixer to blend the paper into the water, making a pulp. Pour the mashed paper into a strainer to remove excess water. Use your fingers to press out as much water as possible.
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Turn the pulp into paper mache material by adding classroom paste until the pulp is the consistency of clay. Mold the pulp around a form and allow to dry. You may also use a paper-making screen to turn the pulp into recycled paper.
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References
- Photo Credit Maria Teijeiro/Photodisc/Getty Images
