| How to Stretch Spandex Material Posted: 18 Jun 2018 05:00 PM PDT Clothes made with spandex are made to stretch out and then return to their shape, which is the reason they're so comfortable. Unfortunately, this means it can be hard to permanently stretch spandex. Luckily, by relaxing the fabric, you may be able to stretch your spandex material yourself! EditWearing Spandex to Stretch It - Soak your garment in degree water for 30 minutes. If you want to stretch a garment made of spandex, washing it in hot water can help relax the fibers. Most hot water heaters are set to a maximum temperature of , so you can either wash the garment in your washing machine on the hottest setting, or you can fill up your sink with the hottest tap water and soak the garment there.[1]
- Put the garment on while it's still wet. This may seem uncomfortable at first, but you should be able to work the garment on a little at a time, even if it's a little clingy or tight. The heat and moisture should help the spandex form to your body as you wear it.[2]
- This method is best if you only need the material to stretch a little. If you can't wear the garment, try stretching it with weights.
- Stay active for about an hour or until the garment dries. You'll need to let the garment air-dry on your body to allow the fabric to stretch around you. Moving around as much as possible will force the material to stretch even more.[3]
- Try to come up with a variety of different movements so the fabric will stretch in different directions. For example, you could bend at the waist, jog in place, and try exercises like squats or jumping jacks.
- The length of time it will take your garment to dry will vary depending on the thickness of the fabric. A very thin spandex shirt may take only 20-30 minutes to dry, while a thicker pair of yoga pants might take more than an hour.
EditUsing Weights to Stretch Spandex - Soak your material in degree water. You can either run your fabric through the hot cycle on your washing machine or you can heat water in a pot on your stovetop and then soak the material. Either method will help relax the spandex fibers and help it stretch more easily.[4]
- Most water heaters are set to heat water within this range, so you should be able to use hot water from your tap.
- Place the material on a flat surface while it's still hot. An ironing board is a good surface for this project, but you could also use your kitchen counter, the floor, or a table with a surface that won't be damaged by water.[5]
- If you're not sure if it's okay to place a wet object on a table, try placing a drop of water on an inconspicuous area of the table. If the wet spot turns white, you shouldn't use that surface for stretching your spandex or it will leave water stains.
- Secure one side of the garment with a weight. You can use almost anything to weight down your material; just make sure it's heavy enough to hold the fabric when you stretch it. Items that weight about should be sufficiently heavy enough to secure the garment just by placing it on one end of the fabric.[6]
- Try using free weights, a stack of textbooks, or even the leg of your bed to secure your fabric.
- Be sure that your weight is made of a material that can get wet without being damaged or transferring color to your garment. For instance, you may want to avoid anything made from painted wood.
- Stretch your fabric out and secure the other end with another weight. Pull the free end of the material as tight as you can without tearing the fabric, then secure that end with another heavy weight. The constant tension should help permanently stretch out the elastic in the spandex.[7]
- Since spandex is made to return to its original shape, try to stretch it beyond what you think you'll need.
- Allow the fabric to dry for at least an hour while it's stretched out. If you remove the material while it's still wet, the fibers will shorten as they dry. This will cause the material to return to its original shape, so make sure it dries completely while it's being stretched.[8]
- It will probably take about an hour for your garment to dry completely, although thicker material may take longer. For the best results, allow it to sit for at least an extra hour after the material has completely dried.
- Repeat the process if your garment needs more stretch.
EditSoaking Spandex in Baby Shampoo - Fill a basin with water of about . You can use a basin, sink, or bathtub. The water should be a little warmer than room temperature. You'll need at least of water.
- Add baby shampoo or mild conditioner to the water. You'll need to add roughly of baby shampoo for every of water.[9]
- The water should take on a slick, soapy consistency once the shampoo is stirred into the water.
- Baby shampoo helps relax the fibers in your material, making them easier to stretch.
- Soak the fabric in the soapy water for about 30 minutes. Make sure the material is fully immersed in the water and give it at least half an hour to ensure the soap has time to penetrate the spandex material.[10]
- Squeeze the fabric tightly to wring out excess moisture. Use a twisting and squeezing motion until the fabric stops dripping. Don't rinse the garment, because the soap will keep relaxing the elastic fibers as you stretch the fabric.
- If you still need to remove more moisture, roll the material between 2 towels and leave it for about 10 minutes.
- Stretch out the fabric and hold it in place with weights. The baby shampoo should allow you to easily stretch the spandex past its normal limits. Once you have it stretched as much as you can, place heavy objects like books, paperweights, or free weights on the edges of the fabric to hold it in place.[11]
- Make sure your heavy objects won't be damaged by the moisture from the fabric. You should also avoid using anything painted or varnished, like wood, since this can transfer stains onto your material.
- Allow the fabric to sit for an hour or until it is completely dry. If you take off the weights before the spandex material has dried, the fibers will begin to shorten and the fabric will return to its original shape.[12]
- It will probably take about an hour for the fabric to dry completely.
EditCaring for Spandex after Stretching It - Avoid exposing your garment to heat. Heat can cause the fibers of your spandex garment to retract back to their original size. High temperatures can also break down the elastane fibers in spandex, causing the garment to break down.[13]
- Wash your garment in water whenever it gets dirty. After you have stretched it, use the cool setting whenever you wash your garment in the washing machine.[14]
- If you would rather hand-wash your garment, fill your sink with room temperature water, then stir in about of a mild detergent. Use your hands to swirl the garment in the soapy water for 2-3 minutes or until it seems clean. Empty the sink, then rinse your garment in cool water.
- Air-dry your garment for 2-3 hours after you wash it. It's best to allow your garment to air dry after every wash to help protect the spandex fibers. To air dry it, lay it on a flat surface, hang it from a clothes hanger, or pin it to a clothes line with clothespins.[15]
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Decorate a Table with Tulle Posted: 18 Jun 2018 09:00 AM PDT Tulle is such an expensive material, but you can use it to create a truly magical display for your table. Whether it is for a wedding, graduation, or quinceañera, tulle can take your table to the next level. Once you have the base down, you can make it even more special by adding lights, garlands, or a chiffon flower trim. EditPlacing the Tablecloth and Lights - Choose a solid-colored tablecloth to use as your base. Even though you'll be adding tulle, you still want something on your table to cover the top and sides. You can use a fabric tablecloth or a plastic one, but it needs to be solid-colored. The color can match the tulle that you will be using, or it can coordinate with it.[1]
- For example, you can use a white tablecloth with white tulle, or you can pair a white tablecloth with pink tulle.
- Match the tablecloth shape to the table. Use a round tablecloth for a round table, and a rectangular tablecloth for a rectangular table.
- Make sure that the tablecloth is big enough to reach the floor. If you need to, use 2 or more tablecloths.
- Drape the tablecloth over the table. Smooth out any wrinkles, and make sure that it is centered. Don't worry about the tablecloth sliding around; you will be wrapping things around the tabletop, which will help hold it in place.
- If you are worried about the tablecloth slipping, secure it to the table with strips of double-sided tape. Put these on before you add the tablecloth.
- If your fabric tablecloth is wrinkled, be sure to iron it. Use a heat setting that is suitable for the fabric.
- Get a strand of string lights if you want a more magical display. Regular string lights will work, but you will need to droop the strand every so that the sides of the tablecloth are covered. Match the wire color to the tablecloth, or stick with gold or silver wire. Other great options include:
- Battery-operated string lights: these are great for tables that won't be against a wall or near an outlet.
- Icicle lights: they typically need to be plugged in, but at least you won't have to droop the strand every .
- Netted lights: used for shrubs, they are a great if you want a lot of lights. Depending on the table's size, you may need several panels.
- Secure the lights to the table with clear packaging tape. Starting at a table corner, begin wrapping the lights around the tabletop's edge. Secure the wire to the tablecloth with clear packaging tape every so that it doesn't slide off.
- If you are using regular string lights, droop the wire by so that you cover more surface area. If you don't, the top of the tutu will cover them.
- If you are using battery-operated lights, strap the battery pack to the bottom of the table leg, just below the tablecloth. Don't turn them on yet to save battery power.
- If you are using plug-in lights, make sure that there is an outlet nearby. You don't have to plug them in yet.
EditCreating a Table Tutu - Measure the circumference of your table. Use a measuring tape to measure all 4 sides of your table, then add them together. This will tell you how much elastic you will need to buy. You will need to buy enough elastic for all 4 sides of your table, even if it will be up against a wall.
- If your table is circular, wrap the measuring tape around the perimeter.
- Wrap elastic around the table and secure it in the back. Wrap wide elastic around the edge of your table. Tie the ends together in the back of the table with a double-knot, or overlap them and secure them with a pin. Pin the elastic to the tablecloth every so that it doesn't slide off.[2]
- Match the elastic color to the tulle. Fold-over elastic is a great option because it comes in many colors.
- Wrap the elastic tightly enough so that it doesn't slide off, but loose enough so that you can still slide your finger under it.
- Purchase some spools of tulle. They are about wide, and you can find them near the ribbon or wedding section of a craft or fabric store. If you can't find any, buy regular tulle off the bolt at a fabric store, then cut it into wide strips. Plan on getting 2 to 3 spools that are each.[3]
- You can use all 1 color, or you can use multiple colors for a more interesting effect. For example, you can use light pink and dark pink instead of just light pink.
- Try a rainbow of colors: pink, orange, pastel yellow, mint green, pale blue, and light purple.
- For a more magical display, consider using sparkly or glittery tulle.
- Cut your tulle into strips that are twice the height of your table. Measure the height of your table first, from the floor all the way to the table top. Double your measurement, then cut your tulle into strips that match that length.[4]
- How many strips you cut depends on how much coverage you want on your table. Cut just a few for right now.
- Cut a piece of cardboard to the height of your table. Wrap the tulle around it, then cut the bottom edge to separate the strands.
- Secure the first strip to the elastic with a slip-knot. Take 1 strip and fold it in half so that the narrow ends match up. Slide the folded end behind the elastic to make a loop, then pull the 2 tulle tails through the loop to tighten the knot.[5]
- Make sure that the folded end is pointing down when you slide it behind the elastic, not up.
- The tighter you make the knot, the fuller your tutu will be.
- Continue to tie the tulle strips around the table until the elastic is full. Make sure that the knots are touching each other. If you leave too much space between the knots, your table tutu won't be very full.[6]
- If you run out of strips, cut some more.
- If the table will be against a wall, you only need to cover the sides that will be visible.
- If a pin gets in the way, you may need to move it.
EditDecorating the Tutu's Top Edge - Wrap satin ribbon around the top edge for a simple look. Choose a ribbon color that goes well with your table. Measure the circumference of your table, then cut the ribbon accordingly. Wrap the ribbon around the tabletop so that it covers the knots. Use a drop of hot glue or fabric glue every to secure the ribbon to the tutu.
- Make sure that the ends of the ribbon are in the back of the table.
- Match the color to the tutu or the tablecloth. You can also use a darker shade than the tutu (i.e.: dark pink ribbon for a light pink tutu).
- Choose a ribbon that is wide enough to cover the knots. Something that is at least will work fine, but you can go wider.
- Use a chiffon flower trim instead if you want a girly look. Measure the circumference of your table, then cut some chiffon flower trim to that length. Glue the trim around the edge of the table to hide the knots from the tulle. You can use fabric glue or hot glue for this.[7]
- For a non-permanent option, use pins instead. The bulk of the flowers should help hide the pins.
- Choose a trim that is wide enough to cover the knots. It can be the same color as the tulle and/or tablecloth, or a coordinating color.
- You can find this trim at a fabric store's trim and ribbon section. Some craft stores may sell ribbon that looks similar.
- Upgrade a ribbon or flower trim with glittery silhouettes, if desired. Wrap your ribbon or chiffon flower trim around the table first. Next, use a stencil to trace shapes onto the back of glittery scrapbooking paper. Cut the shapes out, then secure them to the trim with hot glue or fabric glue.[8]
- Use shapes and colors that match your theme. For example, use princess crowns for a princess party, or hearts for a wedding.
- The shapes should be around tall.
- Don't get carried away. You only need 1 shape at each corner, and 1 shape in the middle.
- Wrap a floral garland around the tabletop if you want a forest look. Measure the circumference of your table, then buy a floral garland that's close to that length. Cut the garland shorter, if needed, then wrap it around the tabletop. Use T-shaped floral pins to secure it to the tutu, making sure that you go through the tulle, elastic, and tablecloth. Again, if the table is against a wall, you only need to cover 3 sides.
- For a fairy look, use a garland with flowers; they can have some green leaves too. Make sure that the colors go well with your tutu.
- For a fall look, use a garland made from maple leaves in reds, oranges, and yellows.
- For a forest or garden look, stick with a green garland--ferns would look lovely, but you can also use ivy or evergreen.
- Create a fancier look with a scalloped fabric tablecloth. Finish your tutu first, then drape a second, solid-colored tablecloth over your table. Starting at a corner, gather the bottom edge of the tablecloth, and secure it to the top edge of the tutu with a safety pin. Do this a few more times along the edges of your table until you get the look you want.[9]
- A plain fabric tablecloth would work fine, but a nicer fabric, such as velvet, would work better. Don't use plastic.
- Cover the safety pins with large, silk flowers or satin ribbon bows.
- Alternatively, wrap the fabric around the edges of the table instead. This way, the top of the table will be exposed.
- Use a different color or shade from the tutu. For example, you can use dark blue for a light blue tutu, or purple for a pink tutu.
- Use beaded garlands instead of fabric as an alternative. Wrap a beaded pearl garland around the top edge of your table. Safety pin it at each corner and every . Let the garland droop a little between each pin to create a scalloped look.[10]
- You can do this in addition to fabric scallops for an even fancier look. Make the beaded scallops droop lower than the fabric ones.
- Match the colors to your event. For example, if your wedding colors are teal and white, use teal and white for the table.
- Do not cover the entire table top with tulle. Tulle is very scratchy, and the 2 layers will slide around.[11]
- Wrap a sheet of tulle around a tablecloth for a simpler option. Cover your table with a tablecloth first, then wrap a sheet of tulle around the top edge.[12]
- Use a strip of tulle as a table runner as a simple option. Make the table runner long enough to reach the floor, then tie a bow at each end.[13]
EditThings You'll Need - Table
- Solid-colored tablecloth
- 2 spools of tulle
- fold-over elastic
- Hot glue or fabric glue
- Safety pins or sewing pins
- Scissors
- String lights (optional)
- Clear packaging tape (for string lights)
- Ribbon, chiffon flower trim, or garlands (optional)
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Stretch Plastic Shoes Posted: 18 Jun 2018 01:00 AM PDT Sometimes, you'll find a perfect shoe with a less than perfect fit. With synthetic materials like plastic, the stretching process may be more difficult than that of leather or fabric. Luckily, with the use of some common household items like kitchen storage bags and a hairdryer, your shoes can find that desired fit. EditBlow-Drying Your Shoes - Wear thick socks and put on the shoe. Wearing thick socks before putting on the shoe will give more room for it to stretch. Wear one or two pairs to fit into the shoe snugly. If the shoes have zippers, zip them up as far as they can go.
- Wear thick wool socks for the maximum amount of stretching.[1]
- Use the blow dryer in 20-30 second intervals. While on the hottest setting, hold the blow dryer a few inches away from the shoe and heat the areas that feel tight. Wiggle your foot and toes to allow the plastic to expand.[2]
- For shoes with zippers, as you heat the shoe, work the zipper up to promote stretching and a perfect fit.[3]
- Walk while wearing the shoe until the shoe cools. While the shoe is still hot from the blow dryer, walk around the house to allow the shoe to stretch more. Leave on the thick socks to allow for the shoe to expand.
- Remove your socks and try on the shoe. Use this time to ensure that the shoes now fit. If they still don't feel right, put the socks back on and continue to blow dry and stretch. Work the shoe with heat and your foot until it fits exactly how you want.
- Run your thumb between your skin and the shoe to stretch the fit for shoes that come past the ankle or calf.[4]
EditFreezing Water in Your Shoes - Fill a resealable bag halfway with water. Use a durable bag that will not come undone through the process. Fill it with enough water to fit inside of your shoe. Remove the excess air from the bag and seal tight.[5]
- Be sure not to overfill or else the bag could break and cause water damage to the shoe.
- Place the water-filled bag in your shoe. Push the bag into the toe area of your shoe. The bag should fit snugly into the shoe and fill the volume that you wish to be stretched. Ensure the seal is tight and no water is leaking.
- Freeze your shoes overnight. Allow for the water inside of your shoe to freeze. As it freezes, the ice will expand and stretch your shoes.
- To protect the outer sides of your shoes (and the rest of your freezer items), you can put your shoes in another plastic bag before putting them in the freezer.[6]
- Thaw your shoes for a half hour. The following morning, allow your shoes and the bags to thaw for 20-30 minutes before removing the bags.[7] Try on your shoes to see if they have stretched enough. If not, you can repeat the freezing process again until the desired fit.
EditUsing a Shoe Stretcher - Purchase a shoe stretcher that fits your style shoe. Shoe stretchers come in a variety of styles depending on the type of shoe you're trying to stretch. Different stretchers will be available for flats, boots, high heels, and other styles. Determine if you need to adjust the length, width, or both. One shoe stretcher will work on both the left and the right shoe.
- A 'two-way' stretcher will adjust both length and width.
- Other common shoe stretchers are toe stretchers, vamp stretchers, and high heel stretchers.
- Many stretchers have holes to add attachments for trouble areas, such as bunions.[8]
- Tighten the stretcher in your shoe. Turn the knobs clockwise until the shoe stretcher fits tight in the shoe. After that, twist the knob three or four more times to stretch the shoe. Leave the stretcher in the shoe overnight.
- Remember to start small as to not overstretch the shoes too quickly.
- Try on your shoe. Loosen the stretcher by turning the dial counter-clockwise and remove. If the shoe is still too tight, continue to use the stretcher in your shoe. Use an extra few turns when stretching again.
- Be careful not to overstretch the shoe as a loose shoe will not be comfortable either.
- When not wearing the shoes, leave a shoe stretcher inside so they retain their shape.
- Walk around your house while wearing the shoes to continue breaking them in.
EditSources and Citations
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