Alexei Volkov
Plastic lacing is a versatile craft material that can be used to create a variety of items, such as zipper pulls, keychains, and jewellery. When working with plastic lacing, it is important to keep the laces straight and untwisted to achieve a smooth and neat finish. While plastic lacing is relatively easy to work with, it can sometimes curl or become tangled, requiring straightening techniques to restore its original form. In this discussion, we will explore effective methods for straightening plastic lacing, ensuring that your crafts look tidy and professional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length of plastic lacing | For longer crafts, start with lengthy strands, about 48 inches long. |
| Accessories | Clasps, keyrings, etc. |
| Positioning of accessories | Thread the accessory onto both laces until it is in the middle of the lengths of lacing. |
| Positioning of laces | Keep the ends parallel to each other. |
| Lacing technique | Cross the laces in an X at their center point, under the accessory. |
| Lacing shape | Fold and weave straight across to create a square shape. |
| Tension | Gently tug on each end until it is snug, but not too tight. |
| Securing laces | Apply a small bead of hot glue to the base of each end. |
| Straightening technique | Dampen the lacing and hang it to dry straight. Alternatively, use an iron on cotton mode. |
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What You'll Learn
Keep the ends of the laces parallel to each other
When weaving plastic lacing, it is important to keep the ends of the laces parallel to each other. This will ensure that the finished product looks smooth and neat. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
Start by finding the centre of each lace. You can do this by folding the lace in half and making a small mark at the midpoint. Once you have found the centre point of both laces, cross them in an "X" shape at this point, with one lace laying flat over the other. This will create a neat base for your weaving and help you keep the ends parallel.
As you begin weaving, make sure to fold the laces over without twisting them. This can be tricky, but taking your time and being careful will pay off in the final result. Each time you fold the laces, thread the ends through the folds to hold them securely. This technique will help you maintain tension and keep the ends parallel.
If you are creating a long craft, you might be working with very lengthy strands of lace. In this case, managing the ends can be challenging. Try to cut the strands to a manageable length, such as 48 inches, and get them as close in length as possible. This will make it easier to keep the ends parallel as you work.
Finally, remember that you can always gently tug on the ends of the laces to adjust their position and ensure they are parallel. Just be careful not to pull too tightly, as you want to maintain an even tension throughout your weaving. By following these tips, you will be able to create a neat and tidy woven plastic lacing craft with ends that are perfectly parallel.
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Cross laces in an X at the centre
To cross lace in an X at the centre, begin by placing your shoe in front of you with the toe facing away. Thread your lace through the two eyelets closest to the toe of the shoe, ensuring that the lace is an even length on both sides. Cross the laces in an X at their centre point, under the accessory. Both laces should be laying flat, one over the other. Keep the ends parallel to each other and avoid twisting the laces. Instead, fold them over so that they are straight.
Gently tug on each end until it is snug, but not too tight. You should be making square ‘knots’. Pull the ends firmly now that you have it started. Each time you fold your laces over, thread the others through them so that they are all holding each other’s ends down securely. After a few more repetitions, you should be able to clearly see the square shape of your lacing, with one side one colour and the other side the other colour.
If you want to add some variety, you can experiment with different techniques and styles. For example, you can try the heel-locking lacing method if your heels tend to slip a lot in your shoes. Follow the steps for the criss-cross method until the last pair of eyelets. Then, instead of crossing each lace to the other side, thread the laces over and through the eyelets directly below them. Take the left lace and pull it through the loop you just created with the right lace, and vice versa. Finally, tie your shoes as you normally would.
Another variation of the criss-cross lacing method is the factory variation. This method starts with the bottom horizontal section running straight across the outside, with the first crossover on the inside. The rest of the shoe is laced normally. This variation is less consistent visually and thus may be less appealing to some.
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Pull on each end to create a square knot
Plastic lacing is a simple craft that can be used to make a variety of items, such as jewelry, keychains, and zipper pulls. To straighten out plastic lacing and create a square knot, follow these steps:
First, start by finding the center of each lace. If you are attaching an accessory, such as a clasp or keyring, thread it onto both laces until it is in the middle of the lengths of lacing. Cross the laces in an "X" at their center point, under the accessory. Keep the ends parallel to each other and avoid twisting the laces; simply fold them over so they are straight.
Gently tug on each end until it is snug, but not too tight. You should now see square "knots" forming. At this point, pull the ends firmly to secure the square knot. You can also try the frapping turns technique to tighten the knot: wrap the lace around a stick and pull on the ends to tighten the lashing.
If you want to create a more complex design, you can continue weaving and folding the laces to create a spiral shape. However, if you want to return to a square shape, simply start folding and weaving straight across the square again. Remember that the woven laces will be shorter than their original length, so make sure to start with long enough strands.
Finally, you can use a flame to carefully melt the bottom of your craft to fuse the plastic laces together. This method should only be attempted by adults as it can be a serious burn hazard.
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Melt the ends with a flame to fuse together
To straighten out plastic lacing, one method is to use a flame to melt the ends and fuse them together. This method should only be carried out by adults, as it is a serious burn hazard and requires patience and practice.
Firstly, cut your plastic lacing to the desired length, ensuring that the ends are as close in length as possible. When you are happy with the length, carefully apply a flame to the bottom of the lacing. Hold the flame close enough to melt the plastic, but be careful not to let it come into direct contact with the flame, as this could cause the plastic to catch fire. You may need to experiment with the distance and duration of heat application to find the right balance.
As the plastic melts, it will begin to fuse together. At this point, you can carefully shape the molten plastic with your fingers or a tool, such as a metal rod, to straighten out any curves or bends. Work quickly, as the plastic will start to solidify again within seconds. If you are not happy with the shape, you can always re-melt the plastic and try again.
Once you are satisfied with the straightness of the lacing, allow the molten plastic to cool and solidify. This will only take a few seconds, and you will be left with a strong, fused joint. If you are concerned about the strength of the joint, you can always reinforce it with a small amount of hot glue. However, be aware that hot glue is also a serious burn hazard and should be used with caution.
By following these steps, you can effectively straighten out plastic lacing using a flame to melt and fuse the ends together. Remember to exercise caution when working with open flames and hot materials, and always supervise children if they are assisting in this project.
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Use glue to secure loose ends
Plastic lacing can be used to create a variety of crafts, such as zipper pulls, keychains, and jewellery. When working with plastic lacing, it is important to start with strands that are long enough, as the woven laces will be less than a quarter of their original length.
To secure the loose ends of plastic lacing, one option is to apply a small bead of glue to the base of each end. Hot glue works best for this purpose, but it is important to exercise caution as hot glue can cause serious burns and should not be used by children under the age of 13 without supervision. When using hot glue, be sure to work neatly and practice beforehand to avoid any accidents.
Another method to secure the ends of plastic lacing is to use a flame to carefully melt the bottom of your craft, fusing the plastic laces together. This method should only be performed by adults as it poses a serious burn hazard and requires patience and careful handling of an open flame.
Additionally, you can try using a combination of adhesive tape and glue. First, wrap adhesive tape around the end of the lacing two to three times. Then, apply a small amount of glue to the taped area. This technique provides extra security and helps to prevent the lacing from fraying or coming undone.
When gluing plastic lacing, it is important to work in small sections to prevent the glue from drying too quickly. Use a stippling motion when applying the glue to avoid excess buildup, especially if the lacing has holes. Always work on a waste paper surface to catch any excess glue and prevent messes.
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Frequently asked questions
One method is to use water. Simply dampen the lacing and then either hang it or secure it so that it dries straight. Another method is to iron the lacing. Place a towel in the shoe where the crease is, then use an iron on cotton mode and pass it over the crease.
You can apply a small bead of hot glue to the base of each end. This will act as a serious burn hazard, so be careful!
You can tie each strand in a knot as close to the base of the craft as you can. You can also melt the bottom of your craft to fuse the plastic laces together.
Cross the laces in an "X" at their center point, under the accessory. Keep the ends parallel to each other and avoid twisting the laces. Then, gently tug on each end until it is snug.
You can make a lanyard by pulling all sides of the plastic lacing to make it tight when you finish each lace.
