I have been seeing lots of discussions on various message boards about my technique for dying and crinkling seam binding. I also get lots of emails about it with questions and comments. I decided I would add a few of those common questions that I get to the page here on my site where I have the video. Since everyone may not visit that page, I thought I would share the info here as well.
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I thought I would add a little more info here about the crinkled seam binding. The response to this technique has been so amazing! I have gotten tons of emails about it and have seen it discussed on several crafty message boards. I am so thrilled to see so many people finding it useful.
I wanted to add a little info to answer some of the questions I get often. Hopefully some of these will be helpful.
- The key is getting the seam binding wet, scrunching it, and letting it dry.
- You can heat dry it, but I prefer air drying it. I think heating releases some of the crinkles. I like mine super crinkley so I am willing to let it set.
- The crinkles stay even with a ton of handling. I first shared my technique for this at CHA-W. I did 100 in one batch. I handled it a ton as I pulled on it, measured, and cut it. The crinkle stays.
- When you air dry, it is sometimes a little stiff feeling. After you handle it a bit it softens up.
- Why Glimmer Mist? There isn't really anything special about Glimmer Mist that makes this work. I used Glimmer Mist because I had it on hand, I love the product, and wanted to experiment with it. I also teach for Tattered Angels so of course I am going to use and promote their products. I like the effect it gives since you get glimmer on the ribbon. That said though, you could use Maya Mists, Shimmerz, Smooch Sprays, your own home-made re-inker sprays. I haven't personally used the others but have had friends who have used all of those with good results.
- The base coat I mention in the video. . . I did that video when I first started making this ribbon. I used a base coat of White Diamond (I think) to get the ribbon fairly moist so that the other colors would blend well. You do not have to do that. You can just add colors. I like them to blend well and run a bit so I do a base coat. I have started using water now for my base coat. I put it in a mister and go to town with it.
- Do you have to use white seam binding? No. That just happens to be what I use a lot because it is versatile. I have a ton of colors of sprays to use, so for me it was more economical to get my color from the sprays and not the ribbon. I have a friend (Nancy Wethington) who used red ribbon and one of the brown distress re-inkers. It was stunning and so antiquey! If you have colored seam binding go for it! You may be awed by the result you get!
- The store I mention in the video that I have bought from is Zipperstop.com. They also have a shop on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/zipperstop) and Ebay (http://stores.ebay.com/ZIPPERSTOP) if you prefer shopping through those sites. No, I am not affiliated with this store, I have just shopped with them and been pleased with their service and price.
- The brand I generally use is Hug Snug. Most generally you will see this type of ribbon called "rayon seam binding", but some companies will call it just rayon ribbon or trimming. May Arts and Midori both sell a rayon ribbon that will work so check your scrap stores, you may find it there.
