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#11
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OT - flag making
Hanne Gottliebsen wrote:
Taria wrote: 25 or more years ago I made lots of kites and decorative windsocks out of nylon. A solder iron run along a straight edge (seems I had a metal yard stick) made a 'cut' that did not fray. I'm wondering if a hot glue gun, suitable cleaned up, can be used to seal the edges? I don't have any other of this kind of equipment, and budget doesn't really allow for purchase :-) But I do have a glue gun. What did you lay the fabric on while "cutting"? Thanks, Hanne in London Hanne, You can get a soldering iron for very little cost from Maplin: http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...17761&doy=16m8 for that price it would be worth it just to reduce the frustration, and it is a useful tool, honest. and they ahve stores in Central London http://www.maplin.co.uk/StoreLocator.aspx? Yes I am an enabler.... Lizzy |
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#12
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OT - flag making
Those plastic/vinyl liners are pretty tough. I have very hard water and my
shower curtain liner gets nasty deposits on it. I throw it into the washing machine with a load of towels and my regular washing detergent- the towels seem to 'scour' it while it tumbles in the front loader. The latest cheap liner is about 3.5 years old and doing fine with about every other month washing like this- still flexible and doing it's job. I hang the liner straight from the washer and hose it down with hot water to get the wrinkles out. It's still going strong.... (You can wash your bath mat in the same load and it will get nice and clean, too!) Leslie & The Furbabies in MO. "Polly Esther" wrote in message ... I don't really know, Hanne. I was only trying to think along with you. You'll have to do some experimenting to see what works before launching into a full production. However . . . I do have a shower curtain liner being used as a table cover for my cutting (and assorted other acts of violence) table. It looks nice, is soft and flexible and withstands lots of cleaning. Even though it's been nearly 2 years since the Katrina storm, shopping here is terribly limited and we just carry on with whatever we hope will do. Polly "Hanne Gottliebsen" wrote in message news:fa1hh8$fm$1@qmul... Shower curtains (liners) sounds like a good tip! However, would vinyl not be too stiff, more durable than the nylon/poly, and thus wear it out? I'm thinking of the nylon tearing along the edge of the vinyl. Hmmm, I'l have to think about that one. I'm hoping the guys listened when we Cub Scout leaders said that colours were better for differentiating than numbers, since if it is not windy, you won't be able to see the numbers anyway :-) They wanted numbers rather than colours, since Boy Scouts might think it childish to be told to "proceed to purple station". Hanne in London Polly Esther wrote: Your plan sounds just fine until we get to your question about appliquéing 12 to 15 numbers. For a fast and easy solution, maybe you can get some durable (as in flexible and strong) white vinyl. You could cut out the numbers and glue them on with perhaps some stitching for reinforcement. I don't know what sort of shopping is available to you - but I frequently find a good use for shower curtain liners. They usually cost only a dollar or two and you could cut a lot of numbers from just one. Also, see what kind of glue you can find. Aileen makes one that is flexible and waterproof. You know, it can and will rain. Count on it. Good, good luck with your project, Polly "rusty" wrote in message oups.com... On Aug 16, 4:38?am, Hanne Gottliebsen wrote: I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my Scouts. The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run (normally around 12-15). Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be nylon or polyester. Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the "inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag fabric and the webbing). I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing (they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding machine, so this is surely a good use). Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread combinations would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags will be used outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of weather. I do expect them to be packed away dry, but maybe not completely clean every time. Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that? I'm guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the fabric would only take low temp iron. Thanks, Hanne in London Hanne, The adding maching tape sounds like a good idea! I've made flags for a high school marching band, and the flimsy nylon fabric is a little easier to cut when it's you place it on top of newspaper/ newsprint, and cut through both layers. rusty, in extremely hot north georgia(g) |
#13
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OT - flag making
Anything that gets pretty hot should work. I seem to remember running
the edge of some nylon stuff through a candle flame to melt it a bit and seal it so it wouldn't fray. You do have to do it carefully so you don't melt too much. Julia in MN Hanne Gottliebsen wrote: Taria wrote: 25 or more years ago I made lots of kites and decorative windsocks out of nylon. A solder iron run along a straight edge (seems I had a metal yard stick) made a 'cut' that did not fray. I'm wondering if a hot glue gun, suitable cleaned up, can be used to seal the edges? I don't have any other of this kind of equipment, and budget doesn't really allow for purchase :-) But I do have a glue gun. What did you lay the fabric on while "cutting"? Thanks, Hanne in London I used nylon thread and they just stitched up fine. Proper size needle was used for thread and fabric. I don't remember any puckering or any problems just stitching them up. A double hem worked great with that melted edge. No stabilizer was needed. So far as the numbers I wonder if simple glue stick would hold them down while you appliqué? I made a BS flag or 2 in my day but never got wrangled into 12. Good luck with them. Taria Hanne Gottliebsen wrote: I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my Scouts. The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run (normally around 12-15). Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be nylon or polyester. Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the "inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag fabric and the webbing). I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing (they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding machine, so this is surely a good use). Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread combinations would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags will be used outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of weather. I do expect them to be packed away dry, but maybe not completely clean every time. Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that? I'm guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the fabric would only take low temp iron. Thanks, Hanne in London -- This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton Anti-Virus http://webpages.charter.net/jaccola/ |
#14
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OT - flag making
To get letters the size you want -- (up to 10 inches tall or so) you can use
your word processor. Just change the font size. The list only goes up to like 72 or whatever... but you can type in numbers like 250 or 400 (72 is 1"). Then you can use those as a template. Maybe attaching them via a satin stitch? Just a thought. Maybe a little webbing around the letter before you attach to the flag to keep it from fraying. -- Kate in MI http://community.webshots.com/user/K_Groves * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Hanne Gottliebsen" wrote in message news:fa12ea$r3s$1@qmul... I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my Scouts. The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run (normally around 12-15). Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be nylon or polyester. Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the "inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag fabric and the webbing). I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing (they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding machine, so this is surely a good use). Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread combinations would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags will be used outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of weather. I do expect them to be packed away dry, but maybe not completely clean every time. Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that? I'm guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the fabric would only take low temp iron. Thanks, Hanne in London |
#15
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OT - flag making
25 or more years ago I made lots of kites and decorative windsocks out
of nylon. A solder iron run along a straight edge (seems I had a metal yard stick) made a 'cut' that did not fray. I'm wondering if a hot glue gun, suitable cleaned up, can be used to seal the edges? I don't have any other of this kind of equipment, and budget doesn't really allow for purchase :-) But I do have a glue gun. Got an old table knife and a hot plate, gas ring, or camping stove? Heat the blade in the flame, grab the handle with a hot pad, and cut the nylon or polyester that way. Put the fabric on a piece of glass or marble or wood while cutting. A "woodburning tool" can also be used (basically a soldering iron without a decent thermostat!). Or you can do it the old fashioned way (though it takes a bit of practice): cut with scissors and sear the edge in a candle flame -- move the fabric quickly but evenly, and practice on scraps first. I'd prefer polyester over nylon for the project if UV-stabilized nylon is not available. Nylon will fade in sunlight over time, while poly won't. What did you lay the fabric on while "cutting"? Thanks, Hanne in London I used nylon thread and they just stitched up fine. Proper size needle was used for thread and fabric. I don't remember any puckering or any problems just stitching them up. A double hem worked great with that melted edge. No stabilizer was needed. So far as the numbers I wonder if simple glue stick would hold them down while you appliqué? I made a BS flag or 2 in my day but never got wrangled into 12. Good luck with them. Taria Hanne Gottliebsen wrote: I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my Scouts. The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run (normally around 12-15). Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be nylon or polyester. Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the "inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag fabric and the webbing). I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing (they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding machine, so this is surely a good use). Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread combinations would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags will be used outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of weather. I do expect them to be packed away dry, but maybe not completely clean every time. Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that? I'm guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the fabric would only take low temp iron. Thanks, Hanne in London |
#16
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OT - flag making
Hi Hanne!
Here is a tutorial on garden flag sewing: http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa042001a.htm I wonder: will your flags be raised so the grommets are at top or at the side? If at the top, try a casing instead of grommets. BTW: when I had to repair a garden flag, I used some fine bridal tulle over the worn portion, and to protect some vulnerable appliqué. That was over 8 years ago, and the flag is still in use every November - December. HTH. PAT in VA/USA Hanne Gottliebsen wrote: I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my Scouts. The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run (normally around 12-15). ........cut..... |
#17
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OT - flag making
Depending on what the fabric is there are a couple of different ways to
go with all sorts of things. Remember that a "hot knife" (aka essentially a low temp soldering iron or wood burning tool) will seal the cut edges of most of these fabrics. Especially true of nylon flag fabrics. BG If nylon the two most common types are ripstop and "sport" nylon. Ripstop looks like it has a "grid" that is a heavier thread that runs about every half inch in both directions. You cannot tear this stuff if you try. It is very light weight, though and often what is used to make nylon "track suit" type clothing. Sport nylon is a bit heavier and will ravel a bit more at first. Heat sealing the cut edges is a good idea for either fabric, just to make sewing the hems a bit easier. BG A double hem will work fine for the edges. For the grommet edge, a triple hem or just a strip of something like wide twill tape enclosed in the hem will work just fine, in most cases. Check your grommets to see how thick the fabric needs to be to hold the grommet securely. Webbing might actually make the edge too thick..... again it depends on your grommets. BG (Too thin of a fabric sandwich and the grommets will pull out, too thick and you can't get a good "bite" in setting the grommets and they come apart. sigh. Yes, voice of experience.) Adding numbers..... you are right about heat.. not doable with either nylon or polyester. BG Color is definitely the way to go. If you do need to "applique" something on, use a good fabric glue. The best one that I know of is Beacon FabricTac. Is clear and stays flexible. You don't need much of it. and it is washable. Or use a bit of temporary glue and straight stitch around. If you have cut the whatevers out with a hot knife the edges won't fray and you don't have to satin stitch or anything, just a straight stitch close to the edge will hold. G Biggest problem is that you will probably need to put one on each side, and that runs into stitching overlapping the applique on the first side.............. Which is why most of the commercially available "banners" that are sold to fly outside your house, are done as a cutaway applique, and don't have letters/numbers since the back side is a mirror image of the front side. VBG Pati, in Phx who has made lots of banners/flags along the way.... Hanne Gottliebsen wrote: I volunteered myself for making flags for district events with my Scouts. The idea is to have a flag for each of the bases, we run (normally around 12-15). Someone else have already bought/acquired the fabric, and I don't know what it is yet - I only get it on Friday. I'm thinking it will be nylon or polyester. Now, my plan is to stitch a double hem on 3 sides, and then on the "inside" (towards the flag pole, if we had one) add some nylon/polyester/other fast drying stuff webbing/tape for strength and then add a grommet at the top and at the bottom (through the flag fabric and the webbing). I've got some adding machine tape to use as a stabiliser while sewing (they got bought, sat around for a long time, and don't fit the adding machine, so this is surely a good use). Does this seem like a good plan? What kind of needle/thread combinations would you try for this thin, flimsy fabric? The flags will be used outdoors a total of 3-4 weeks a year in all kinds of weather. I do expect them to be packed away dry, but maybe not completely clean every time. Also, there were early talks about adding numbers to the flags - if I need to applique onto this fabric, does anyone have hints for that? I'm guessing that using fusibles might not be an option, since the fabric would only take low temp iron. Thanks, Hanne in London |
#18
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OT - flag making
Pat in Virginia wrote:
Hi Hanne! Here is a tutorial on garden flag sewing: http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa042001a.htm I wonder: will your flags be raised so the grommets are at top or at the side? If at the top, try a casing instead of grommets. Normally at the side. However, it is a case of whatever tree or other "flagpole" is available. I think grommets are more flexible. BTW: when I had to repair a garden flag, I used some fine bridal tulle over the worn portion, and to protect some vulnerable appliqué. That was over 8 years ago, and the flag is still in use every November - December. |
#19
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OT - flag making
Pati C. wrote:
cut lots of good advice on fabrics and gromments Adding numbers..... you are right about heat.. not doable with either nylon or polyester. BG Color is definitely the way to go. If you do need to "applique" something on, use a good fabric glue. The best one that I know of is Beacon FabricTac. Is clear and stays flexible. You don't need much of it. and it is washable. Or use a bit of temporary glue and straight stitch around. If you have cut the whatevers out with a hot knife the edges won't fray and you don't have to satin stitch or anything, just a straight stitch close to the edge will hold. G Oh, this is the argument that will make me get a soldering iron (and an underlay of some sort) if I need to do numbers! After tonight, I'll know what the non-sewing boys have in mind :-) Hanne in London |
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