Fibre workshop: Heat pleating with synthetic fabrics.

Thermoplastics; refer to types of substances that have the property of softening at higher temperatures, specifically applied to true synthetic fibres. Shaping can be 'baked' into these fabrics, whose thermoplastic properties have a 'memory' for heat.Preparation: You may need to spend time preparing, testing and identifying your fabrics prior to laborious stitching or pleating.Your fabric supplier should be able to provide information on fabric composition on purchasing new fabrics. Nylon and Polyester fabrics work beautifully and are easy to source. A minimum of 60% man made fibre composition is required.Experiment with working with tidy folds, pleats or crumpled surfaces, stitched or bound to hold there position, prepare a range of samples. You may like to try tying objects into your fabrics, e.g. marbles or stones. (As shown above). Method: Using a large water boiler or steamer, place your fabric samples where they will be steamed without touching any water. This allows the material to reshape itself.Leave the samples in the steam for a minimum of ten minutes. The longer you leave the samples, the more it will take shape to how you desire. But be careful not to leave for too long, and always keep an eye on your work.For the sample shown in the pictures I tied it pieces of old jewellery, marbles, nuts & bolts and stones. I then stitched some straight lines in on the bias of the material which created a beautiful wavy effect. I also chose to use chiffon, because of its wonderful shimmer and translucency. Be as creative as you dare and don't be scared to experiment with new ideas!For more ideas, see the work of Jan Beaney and Jean Little John.