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Crochet/heavy stiffening for crocheted yarn

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Expert: Bea Harrell - 11/7/2008


Question
Hi,
I am working on an art project and for this work I need to stiffen rows of crocheted yarn so that they are as stiff as a flexible piece of plastic (so the rows can be hung horizontal in the middle of a room with only slight drooping). Is this possible and if so what would be the best way to do it (the areas to be stiffened are quite long... and attached to each other)? Also the yarn is a synthetic off white and I am hoping not to have the work become discolored.  This may be a long shot... but I thought if anyone could help me it would be you guys!
Thanks

Answer
Hey, Kerry! Synthetic yarns just won't hold stiffners well at all! 100% cotton yarn can be stiffened with a mixture of 1 part elmer's glue and 2 parts water.  This mixture is permenant, & will work on almost anything that's cotton and dry mostly clear. Sorry I couldn't be more help!

Best,  Bea

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Bea Harrell

Expertise

I consider myself an expert in the field of hand crochet. I have been crocheting for 45 years. I can answer most question on the differnt stitches, as well as the methods used to create speciality items. The art of crochet, after 2 decades of being out of fashion, is enjoying a modest come back. I want to help those newcomers looking for a little/lot of help to get started. Once they are comfortable with the process, they can relax & begin to create the heirlooms of tomorrow.

Experience


Experience in the art of crochet is
40 + years crocheting for myself, my family & occasionally doing commissioned work.

Education/Credentials
Bachelors degree in Social Science.

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