Fabricsamples

Fabric sample folders for Fab Lab

Me and Henna started a big(ish) project last week. We wanted to make fabric sample folders for Fab Lab. One folder about how well does the regular heat press vinyl stick to different fabrics and an other about how well can you cut and engrave different fabrics. We begun by visiting the near by school, FB, in hopes to get some fabrics we can do our tests on. Our little trip was really successful and we came back with a bag full of different samples. We cut same sized pieces from all the fabrics, and designed the files for stickers, cutting and engraving. We took the base images from internet (lazy, we know) and edited them to suit our needs. After the preparations were done, we begun our long process of actually making the samples. It took us almost 4 days to finish all the samples.

Important notions on using fabrics with the laser cutter: It cannot contain any PVC, that is an absolute no no. Also when burned, it must not become all droopy and sticky. So always do a burn test on your fabric before you cut with the laser cutter. If the flame is green, you cannot use it, it's PVC. Also important to remember while using the heat press: If you are not sure will the fabric melt underneath the plate, cover it with baking paper from both sides! That way you save yourself and the machine.

The next step was finishing the edges with an overlock sewing machine and attaching the final samples to some backing paper with a lot of staples. We then cut the folders from mdf. Three for Fab Lab and one for each of us. I designed the ones for the Lab and we both designed our own folders. One folder took us about 20 minutes to make, so you can do the math. We were really surprised how well the regular vinyl stuck to some really furry fabrics and how well some cotton mix fabrics actually cut and engraved. The tests gave us so much ideas and the folders are going to be really helpful for people who visit the Lab.

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  Fabric for men's suits, made in Czech Republic
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  Leather
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  Mixed cotton
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  One burning sample
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  Henna finishing the edges with the overlocking machine
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  Fleece
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  Cotton + Elastane
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  My folder