You use a fabric folding pen to help create crisp, pressed folds in fabric, particularly useful for techniques like applique.
A fabric folding pen is a helpful tool designed to assist crafters, especially those working on sewing projects like applique. It's not a writing pen, but rather a tool that uses a liquid solution within the pen to mark fabric and prepare it for folding and pressing.
Understanding the Fabric Folding Pen
The primary function of a fabric folding pen is to make it easier to create sharp, clean edges when folding fabric. When the tip of the pen is run along the fabric where a fold is desired, the solution dispensed helps to relax the fibers in that specific area. This relaxation makes the fabric more pliable and receptive to being folded and pressed precisely.
Steps for Using a Fabric Folding Pen for Applique
Based on its typical use, especially as shown for applique, here is the general process:
- Prepare Your Design: Have your applique pattern or design ready.
- Trace the Design: Using the fabric folding pen, you can trace any number of designs with the fabric folding pen. Run the tip along the fold lines marked on your fabric piece. The pen releases a solution onto the fabric.
- Allow Solution to Work: The solution acts to relax the fibers. You might give it a moment to absorb slightly.
- Fold the Fabric: Once the fibers are relaxed, you simply fold it along the line you traced with the pen.
- Press the Fold: And press it in position. Use a hot iron to firmly press the fold you just made. The relaxed fibers, combined with the heat from the iron, create a sharp, lasting crease.
- Sew the Applique: After pressing, the edge is ready, and then you can just sew it down onto your background fabric, typically using an applique stitch.
This process allows you to achieve clean, professional-looking folded edges on your applique pieces without needing to use traditional pressing methods or starches beforehand, simplifying the preparation stage.
By relaxing the fabric fibers, the pen significantly aids in creating sharp creases that hold their shape, making sewing the folded edges much easier and resulting in a neater finish for your applique work.
