Tutorial for Etching Fabric With a Soldering Tool

Fabric is a creative and beautiful medium with which to make art, whether it be on canvas, clothing or furniture. Whereas fabric is most often manipulated with scissors, stitching or dyes, it is a little-known fact that soldering tools can be used as well to turn fabric into art. By applying the heat of a soldering tool to different types of fabric, you can melt, singe or etch it into the design of your choice. Etching involves using a soldering tool to slightly burn the top layer of a fabric, so as to create distinct markings.

Things You'll Need

• 4 paperweights
• Metal surface

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place the fabric you plan to etch onto a hard metal surface that will not be damaged by the soldering tool's heat.

   • 2

     Place the fabric flat on the table.

   • 3

     Place a paperweight on each corner of the fabric, to keep it flat on the table.

   • 4

     Plug in the soldering tool and allow it to heat up.

   • 5

     Run the tip of the soldering tool lightly over the fabric, just barely touching it. This will etch a design on the surface of the fabric.