Instructions for How to Use Fabric Stiffener on Crocheted Baskets
Proper instructions for how to use fabric stiffener on completed crocheted baskets are essential for creating an attractive and useful finished product. Crocheted baskets make beautiful home decor items, and can be practical for holding everything from potpourri to sewing notions. Crocheted baskets can also make stunning gifts when filled with an array of the recipient's favorite items. Using fabric stiffener ensures that the crocheted basket will maintain its intended shape and size, whether it was created with yarn, twine or fabric strips.
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Things You'll Need
- Wax or parchment paper
- Freezer bag with zip press seal
- Bowl or balloon (optional)
- Rust-proof pins
Instructions
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1
Cut a piece of wax or parchment paper large enough to hold your finished item, and place on a flat surface.
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2
Pour the fabric stiffener into the zip-seal freezer bag.
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3
Place the crocheted basket into the zip-seal freezer bag, press out the air, and seal tightly.
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4
Squeeze the bag with your hands until you have worked the stiffener thoroughly into all parts of the basket.
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5
Remove the basket from the freezer bag and place onto the waxed or parchment paper. Allow to dry until the item is approximately 80 percent dry. Turn often to ensure even drying.
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6
Shape your basket into your desired final configuration, using a bowl or balloon as a mold for the base of the basket. Alternately, the base of the basket can be filled with crumpled waxed or parchment paper.
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7
Crumple waxed or parchment paper to fill in the area under the handle until it is in the desired shape. Pin in place.
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8
Dry completely. Remove pins and molding material.
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Tips & Warnings
If pins become coated with stiffener, soaking in warm water will soften the stiffening solution enough for it to be peeled off of the pins.
Extremely heavy fabric baskets may require a second application of stiffener.
Most stiffening products are prone to soften with humidity. Completed products should be sheltered from high humidity or will require restiffening.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Janie Airey/Lifesize/Getty Images
