Cut Out + Keep

Thread And Shrink Plastic Brooch

This geometric thread brooch is perfect for adding interest to a plain outfit

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/thread-and-shrink-plastic-brooch • Posted by Make and Fable

Shrink plastic is such a great medium to work with, but you don't just have to the option to draw or stamp on it. By punching holes before shrinking you can use embroidery thread to create any pattern you want.

You will need

Project Budget
Cheap

Time

0 h 45

Difficulty

Nice & Simple
Medium 107032 2f2015 01 22 204338 shrink%2bplastic%2bbrooch

Description

Shrink plastic is such a great medium to work with, but you don't just have to the option to draw or stamp on it. By punching holes before shrinking you can use embroidery thread to create any pattern you want.

Instructions

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    Use a cup or mug that has a rim of approx 8.5cm to draw a circle onto your shrink plastic. Cut it out and punch a series of 7 holes at equal distances around the edge. Don’t worry too much about being neat, shrink plastic is very forgiving!

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    Shrink according the manufacturers instructions using either a domestic oven or heat tool. Once shrunk, the brooch should measure about 4cm.

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    Using a permanent or paint marker colour the edge of the plastic and leave to dry.

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    Thread your needle with about 75cm of thread and begin to stitch from one hole to another. leave a loose tail of thread to tie off later.

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    I choose a random, non-symmetrical pattern, but you can create more regular patterns too-if you don’t like a shape you can always pull the thread out and start again!

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    Once you are happy with your design, bring the thread to the back and tie the ends together. Mix up a small amount of epoxy glue and use to attach the brooch back. Allow to dry.