Fusing Plastic

Plastic is often viewed as an evil throw away material, responsible for pollution in our seas and killing marine life.  However its thermoplastic properties, means it can be recycled indefinitely, and melted and shaped into new forms.

This series of experiments fuses plastic with a domestic iron to create a colourful collage, of fused and stitched samples.  Several of the pieces use yarn made from recycled waste materials  (carrier bags, food wrapping), which been knitted for form a new material.  Plastic has thermoplastic properties, and can be fused and melted at a relatively low temperature with a domestic iron.  Please read the health and safety advice.

 

Further Experiments

Knitted sample with red, white and transparent yarn, before and after melting with an iron…

Knitted Jelly Yarn – before heating

Knitted Jelly Yarn – after heating

 

Other experiments include…

Glitter yarn with neon nylon

Open structure created with jumbo knitting needles

Knitting with glow in the dark yarn

Thick hessian twine and plastic yarn

Neon and transparent plastic yarn

Black plastic yarn and colourful yarn fused together

Sequins threads onto yarn before melting

Plastic straws thread onto nylon fishing line

Acetate printed with text, thread onto plastic yarn, knitted with jumbo sized needles

 

Be safe…

This is an experimental textile process, with many health and safety implications.  Although this process can never be entirely safe (i.e. manufacturers could change the chemical composition of the material), you can take sensible precautions to mitigate the risk:-

• Always work in a well ventilated area and wear a suitable respirator. Melted plastic gives off a range of dangerous fumes (i.e. carbon monoxide and cyanide), which can be odourless and carcinogenic.  Some plastics such as PVC, vinyl and polystyrene should never be heated, as they release chlorine gas and other cancer causing fumes.
• When working with electrical equipment, keep away from water, ensure the cables are not frayed, and keep the cable away from the hot metal parts.
• Never let the plastic come in contact with the iron – always iron between two sheets of backing parchment. If doing a lot of textile art, it is a good idea to have a dedicated iron and board.
• After melting the plastic will be extremely hot, take care not to burn your fingers and leave to cool before touching.
• Good idea to do short sessions (5-10 minutes), with a break in between to reduce the build-up of toxic fumes.
• Take extra care, or avoid the process if you have any health conditions. Always read any H&S data relating to the materials, if in doubt seek professional advice.