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10. Textile Scaffold

Research

describe what you see in this image

Textile Scaffolding is an interesting subject.

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Documentation from Class

References & Inspiration

* Cnc material archive - [Fatemeh Mollaie - FabLab Armenia](https://class.textile-academy.org/2025/fatemeh-mollaie/assignments/week10/)

* Digital crafts - [Shahed Jamhour - CPF Makerspace](https://class.textile-academy.org/2024/shahed-jamhour/assignments/week09/)

* CNC mold - [Zahia Albakri - CPF Makerspace](https://class.textile-academy.org/2024/zahia-albakri/Projects/week09/)

* Crystallisation exploration - [Viviane Labelle - EchoFab](https://class.textile-academy.org/2024/viviane-labelle/assignments/week09/)

* Moulds - [Lisa Boulton](https://class.textile-academy.org/2023/lisa-boulton/assignments/week09/)

* Millinery - [Betiana Pavon](http://class.textile-academy.org/2019/betiana.pavon/assignments/week06/)
  • Two images side-by-side

describe what you see in this image describe what you see in this image

Overview material research outcomes

example from the documentation of Loes Bogers TextileLab Amsterdam 2019-20
Recyvled Yarn Paper Crystalized Yarn

Tools & Materials Needed

  • Epiloge 40 Watt co2 Laser
  • Acrylic Yarn Waste (sourced from my home studio from personal carpet making projects)
  • 42g stainless steel cup
  • 3mm (1/8) Acrylic
  • 6mm (1/4) Acrylic
  • M3 Heat Set Screws
  • M3 Screws 3-6mm
  • Soldering Iron
  • Screwdriver
  • Mesh (sourced from my home studio, leftover from a gown)
  • Table Top Electric Scale

Process and workflow

describe what you see in this image

My first step was to create my own deckle or frame. I was inspired by years of embroidery on an embroidery machine and decided to make a version of this from acrylic.

Then I salaged yarn scraps from a tufting project i've been working on. My home studio floor was covered in yarn waste that I hadn't thrown away because I was hoping to figure out some use for it after learning about circular fashion and the importance of reducing waste. I am so excited to be able to repurpose my acrylic yarn waste into sculptures and other useful pieces within my home studio.

Next I look online for any "recipies" or tutorials on repurposing acrylic yarn waste and found a few (tutorial 1, tutorial 2) that were really helpful. I decided to go with a method similar to tutorial 2 combined with some of the other techniques that I've learned during Fabricademy. One technique that I've found particularly helpful is creating bio resins. I am hoping to experiement with the use of bio resins to create more structurally sound pieces. I'm also being sure to measure all of my yarn scraps so that it will be easier to adjust this recipie later.

It's really important that I get a good sheet made and will be doing so by creating a mixture of yarn waste with other liquid materials, pressing into my acrylic deckle, removing while still moist (NOT WET, just moist) then forming around a mold.

I am using a 42g stainless steel cup to weigh my yarn waste and also as a form to mold my sheet.

Ingredients & Recipes

Prepare this recipe 1 by collecting the ingredients necessary, to be found in the list below:

=== "ingredients"

    * Yarn Waste 1gr
    * water 3 tbs
    * elmer's school glue 1/2 tsp OR 1tsp mod podge
    * cornstarch 1/4 tsp


=== recipe (Recycled Yarn Paper)

    * measure - measure - measure
    * Mix the water, glue and cornstarch together in a small container until smooth.
    * Mix in one gram of fluff (yarn waste)
    * OBSERVE. If it seems too watery add a pinch of cornstarch to desired consistency. If it seems too dry to spread into the mold, add water 1 tsp at a time to desired consistency.
    * Stir to ensure nothing is clumped at the bottom

=== Hand Casting (Recycled Yarn Paper)

    * Prepare the deckle by placing it over a tray to catch any falling water.
    * Pour the mixture into the center of the mesh filling your desired area (i'll be making a square first)
    * Use a spatula (or butter knife) to spread the fibers towards outer corners and edges. Try to get this as even as possible. I'm aiming for about 2-3mm thickness for my sheet to correspond with my future sculpture.
    * Using parchment paper or felt begin flattening with your hand to draw out water. The hope is to begin locking the fibers together.

=== Moulding/Molding (Recycled Yarn Paper)

    * Once the sheet is no longer wet (damp is ok) try to lift it. If it is too fragile, its time to attempt to flip it! The goal is to get it draped over the mold (in my case, the stainless steel cup)
    * Let it set for at least 12 hours and hope for the best!

Documenting and comparing experiments

TEST SERIE BIO-PLASTIC
Material pic Material name Polymer Plastifier Filler Emulsifier
Recycled Yarn Paper biokelp powder 12 gr glycerol 100 ml rainbow dust 1 kg green soap a drop
Recycled Paper biokelp powder 12 gr glycerol 100 ml rainbow dust 1 kg green soap a drop
Recycled Yarn and Paper - Paper biokelp powder 12 gr glycerol 100 ml rainbow dust 1 kg green soap a drop
Dried Flowers and Recycled Yarn Paper biokelp powder 12 gr glycerol 100 ml rainbow dust 1 kg green soap a drop

RESULTS

Image of the laser cutter from the entryway of the lab
Under Construction
Image of the laser cutter from the entryway of the lab
Under Construction

On the left an image of a sample recycled acrylic yarn based paper made by xxx with xxx. The paper is more xxx and is able/not able to hold the shape it was intended to. On the right, an image of a sample recycled acrylic yarn with added dried flowers made by xxx with xxx and xxx. Here the paper is more xxx and was able/not able to hold the shape it was intended to.


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Recipes

  1. recipe: Recycled Yarn Paper ↩

  2. recipe: Dried Flowers and Recycled Yarn Paper ↩