Fabric Origami

Fabric Origami                                                

(How to Make an Origami Quilt)

Materials:  Fabric, iron, ironing board (something to iron on), needle and thread, pins, scissors, ruler, sense of humor and willingness to experiment.

Optional: cutting wheel, cutting mat, embroidery hoop, embroidery floss, stuffing, diagrams, and anything else you think you might want or need.

  • Before you start.
    • The Fabric
      • Fabric selection.
      • Anything that will take a crease well (wrinkles badly).  Cotton works well.
      • Colors & patterns that will complement your model rather than detract from it (just like choosing paper).
    • Preparing the fabric.
      • Wash & iron.
      • Cutting the fabric
      • I like using a cutting wheel, mat, and ruler.
      • No frayed edges and as close to a square as possible.
    • To hem or not to hem.
      • This is fairly important step and will affect the finished appearance of the model.
      • Fold the model first and see if there are any visible raw edges. 
      • If no raw edges are visible then don’t bother to hem.
      • If raw edges are visible, are they on the right or wrong sides of the paper?
      • Fold and iron a quarter inch hem on the side that will not be seen.
      • Then fold the model.
    • The Model
      • Simpler models work better.
      • Chose models you are familiar with.
      • Flat models are better than 3-D, unless you are planning are stuffing them.
      • Models that require a lot of pre-creasing are difficult.
  • Folding
    • How to Fold
      • Fold the model as you would with paper, using an iron to make the creases.
      • Try to precrease all folds in a base first, then collapse the model.
      • When two lines intersect, do not iron the over the intersection. Press the second line as close as possible to the intersection.  It’s better to leave a gap then to iron out the first line completely.
      • Iron after every fold. (Be careful! Don’t burn yourself!)
      • Don’t bother precreasing before reverse folds.  Fabric is more pliable so you can adjust them easily.
      • Because fabric is more pliable, fold with pins, safety pins, or basting stitches to hold your folds together.
    • Paper vs. Fabric (Things to keep in mind while folding.)
      • Fabric is more forgiving than paper.
      • Paper takes creases better.
      • Fabric will not take sharp creases.
      • Any inaccuracies can be hidden when finishing the model.
      • Fabric is softer than paper
      • Models will not stand up, unless additional support is included.
      • Models with a lot of legs will not be successful.
      • Thick models won’t hold together unless they are “helped.”
  • Finishing Touches
    • Stitching (decorative, holding together)
      • Hidden
        • Used to hold the model together. 
        • Any type of stitch will work, as long as it keeps the model from falling apart.
        • Used on the back or inside of the model.
      • Visible
        • Used to hold down details.
        • Use a contrasting color thread and decorative (appliqué) stitches. They enhance the entire model.  If you can’t hide them take advantage of them!
    • Stuffing
      • Models with “natural” pockets work best.
      • Make models 3-D.
    • Mounting (Appliqué) & Quilting
      • Provides a nice background.
      • Makes the model less floppy.