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| TerryGami Bat Instructions now on Etsy! |
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| TerryGami, 15 Cloth Toy and Ornament Projects for Crafters, Teachers, and Children |
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| A TerryGami bat with raised wings made with a thicker cloth. |
Boo Boo Angels, Tooth Fairies, Heart Box,
Firecracker Favors, Gathering Basket, Graduation Owl
New! Bat Instructions are now on Etsy, too!
Welcome to Washcloth Crafts!
TerryGami is the softer side of origami!The TerryGami Bat Instructions are now available on Etsy!
Bats can be any color. What if you can’t find that perfect color washcloth for your critter or holiday icon? Companies can and have made these beautiful colors in the past; they just are not available all of the time. However, black washcloths sold in bulk are another story. I have never found them, so dye them! Remember, kids love color, so don't be surprised if they are happy with orange, pink, yellow, or blue bats.
What dye to use when dyeing terrycloth? The Internet tells me that Procion MX,
the dye used in tie-dyeing, is best to use on natural fibers and
terrycloth, which is made of cotton. You can find it online and in art
supply stores, and it is reasonably priced. It is also suggested to
wash the terrycloth first without using fabric softener and with a
little vinegar to strip the starch or any coating from the fabric, so it
will absorb the dye better. This Procion dye is said to be “safe,
brilliant, mouth-watering and permanent.” What more can we ask for?!
My
only concern is, can a white washcloth be dyed black without it looking
gray, or a red cloth, pink? When I used Rit dye, I had some success
dyeing olive green cloths black, but I needed to dye them twice. Of
course, regular black washcloths can be found, but for the bats, you
will need the thin cloths, and you will want to buy them in the bulk
packages found in discount department stores like WallMart, especially if you are planning to use
them as party favors.
Washcloths can be expensive, unless you buy them in bulk. Many cloths may be too thick for the bats. Sometimes the thicker cloths work better, for example, when making the TerryGami Turkey, but, for the most part, the thinner cloths are a bit better. If the critters turn out too thin, you can always stuff the them with quilt batting. Always buy border-less washcloths.
Washcloths can be expensive, unless you buy them in bulk. Many cloths may be too thick for the bats. Sometimes the thicker cloths work better, for example, when making the TerryGami Turkey, but, for the most part, the thinner cloths are a bit better. If the critters turn out too thin, you can always stuff the them with quilt batting. Always buy border-less washcloths.
I hope the washcloth companies start to supply us with every color (and black and red especially) on a regular basis. Dyeing the cloths can be a bit of a chore, but I have to admit, I was thrilled when the black cloths finally turned out perfectly. Oh, the possibilities for crows, black cats, and witches’ hats!
Happy Crafting!
~Terry
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