Comments on: Fab Fabrics: Fused Plastic Bags [with video]

By: Margaret

Margaret — Wed, 19 May 2010 23:35:02 +0000

I’m not sure why people think it’s OK to heat regular plastic to make fabric, beads, whatever – it’s not meant for that, and the fumes, even though they may be “minor” or not even noticeable, are still there – and still unsafe. This is a good example of recycling that is *not* eco-friendly – and therefore *not* green.

If you want to use plastic bags to make crafts, go ahead and do that. Tear or cut them into strips, weave or knit or crochet or braid them – just don’t heat them. If you want to heat plastic to make crafts use some that’s designed for it – like polymer clay. But even then, *follow the manufacturer’s directions*. Polymer clay when overheated can also produce toxic fumes.

By: Ask Netfah from J&O Fabrics

Ask Netfah from J&O Fabrics — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:03:03 +0000

Intriqued by the concept as well and would love to share with our customers, yet wonder like the other commentors, about the hazards of harmful fumes from the process.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:30:32 +0000

Love the idea of course, how can you not. But have you done any research on the potential of harmful fumes from fusing? I’ve seen various cautions, but no evidence that the heat and melting plastic release toxic or at least irritating fumes (not that you can smell anything). Would love to know exactly what is released when you iron plastic at high enough heat to melt it. Doing this outside doesn’t necessarily seem like a better solution environmentally speaking anyway.

By: Jessica Marie

Jessica Marie — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:29:58 +0000

I love this idea, but what always stops me from doing this is concern about fumes. Do you know if the heating process releases anything that’s hazardous to breathe, or that is air-polluting in general?