Create Garments from Pop Tabs
Pop tabs can be used to make interesting and eye-popping clothing. It takes a long time to make, but can give astounding results.
Steps
- Design the garment as if you were making it from ordinary fabric. Write down the shapes and sizes of each piece you're going to make. For example, a good vest design consists of four pieces: one rectangle across the back, from neck to below arms, and across shoulders; a second from under arms to waist, across sides and back, and two more from collar to waist, side to center front.
- Cut fabric strips to the length and height of each piece. In addition, add an inch to each measurement. These will be used for the weaving. It uses the same method as in weaving placemats. You will need around 3 vertical strips for every {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} horizontally, and 2 horizontal strips for every vertical inch. The strips should be about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} thick.
- Tape the ends of two of the horizontal strips to the top left of your weaving board. Make it so that the untaped ends face right. One should be just above the other on the board.
- String one row of tabs onto the open strips. The number of tabs should be 3 for every {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of length. The top strip is strung through the top hole of the tab from the front. The bottom strip is strung through the bottom hole from the back. The tabs should be close to each other, but not touching.
- Tape off the right ends of the strips so that they are taut and flat against the board.
- Create a second row just below the first one. The rows should be close, but not touching.
- Weave the vertical strips. These go under the top of the tab, over the horizontal strips and middle of the tab, then under the bottom of the tab. These should connect the two rows.
- Continue adding rows and individual tabs, weaving the vertical strips as you go along.
- Join the finished pieces together. This is done by pinning and sewing the loose ends to a separate strip of fabric about an inch thick.
- Finish up. The rest is up to your tailoring skills. You may have to do some trimming and sewing to make it look and fit right. When you're done, show it off proudly. You've got some very unique shiny wear.
Tips
- If you lack the sewing skills to make this, there is another option. Instead of fabric, use duct tape to create it. Duct tape strips folded over on themselves are used for weaving, and tape can stick together the pieces. This won't last as long, but looks just as good and is even more unique.
- It's usually a good idea to wash the pop tabs before you begin. One way to do so is to put the tabs in a large bowl with hot water and dish washing liquid.
- A long-bladed paper cutter makes cutting fabric strips easier and quicker.
- Start by creating a small piece so that you can get the process down. Only then should you try to make a full garment.
Warnings
- Cutting utensils and sewing machines can hurt you if you use them incorrectly.
Things You'll Need
- Pop tabs, and lots of them. You'll need around 200 tabs for each square foot of material
- Fabric. This needs to be strong, thick, and most importantly, one that won't unravel
- Sewing machine and basic knowledge on how to use it, along with many pins
- A large piece of cardboard or board to weave on
- Tape – you will have to remove this, so weak tape is better
