27 January 2011

Fabric Japanese Crane Tutorial

There was a desire for a how-to on Azure's Crane Clips so I put together a simple tutorial.  The first crane I made out of red dupioni silk, as I thought it would be elegant.  The only problem was the silk didn't hold the creases very well.  Next I tried it with cotton, which worked really well.  Then I pulled out my Korean ramie:
It has some sort of stiffener in it already that doesn't wash out, which gives it great body for a unique look, like the jacket I made for Pearl last year, but 100% cotton or linen will work really well for this project.
o1  Cut a square slightly larger than a piece of origami paper [which is 6" x 6"].  Spray liberally with starch on both sides.  Iron until dry.  Repeat 2-3 more times.  You want this thing to have a life of it's own.
o2  Be as exact as possible cutting it down to the size of origami paper [6" x 6"].
o3  I used this youtube video to fold the crane.  It was much easier than trying to follow the diagrams from the origami paper package.  The key, however,  is to press each fold with the iron.  Don't slide the iron, or run your fingers along the edges as this could loosen the edge threads, just press the iron straight down, unless you prefer your crane to look disheveled.  Do not spray your crane with starch again, as it will undo the folds you've already made.  
o4  The only glue I used was on the tiny fold of the crane's head.  [I just used hot glue, but you purists can always sew it!]  For the alligator clip I cut a small square on the bias [to keep it from fraying] and glued it to the clip and then glued the clip to the bottom of the crane.
Did you know the crane symbolizes happiness and eternal youth throughout Asia?  I like that.  Now, go, crane away!

12 comments:

  1. Would it be too much to ask for you to give a tutorial on Pearl's blue rose headband?
    Do you realize how much fun my girls would have with your girls' ribbon and clip drawer(s)?!? Speaking of which, I never could find a wooden drawer set like the one you have. Still on the hunt.

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  2. These are so cool... I am super impressed! Love the blue jacket too- beautiful work!

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  3. This is just great! Thank you for sharing the tut with us!

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  4. Thanks for the tute! Loving it!

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  5. Yep...fabulous. You already know my thoughts. Love it.

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  6. This is so. completely. totally. fabulous!!! I linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip Sewing:
    http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-folded-fabric-japanese-cranes/2011/01/28/

    --Anne

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  7. I'm wondering if it would work using a fabric stiffener product. I might have to try this out....

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  8. Very creative idea! I bet other origami creations would also make very cute hair accessories...the possibilities are endless!

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  9. Whoa.. what a neat idea. Those look amazing! I can't wait to give this a shot. I'll be linking as well.

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  10. this is insanely amazing and beautiful!

    xo
    agnes
    :)

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