There is this new soldering tool in my sewing tool box- and I am super thrilled with it. It is like a rotary cutter on steroids. And a fray checker.
For using it in sewing and crafting, you need a soldering tool with a fine tip.
I guess all the tools come with this kind of tip. Please buy one that is safe to use. There are many such cheap ones available but you have to buy one that is of good quality (safety wise) because you don’t want to bring down the current of the whole house with this tool or get electrocuted.
These are the things I have been using it for.
Easily finish the edges of fabric
This is applicable only on synthetics. For fabrics like polyester and nylon, when you use this tool on the fabric edges, it acts like a lighter- the high heat seals the edges.
When trying to seal the edges this way, ensure that there is no black edge – this happens because you melted too much of the fabric. Just heat it enough to form a small hardened edge. Nothing more nothing less. And when there is a look of black soot on the tip of the tool, use paper or sponge to remove it (after switching it off- and do not touch it with bare hands)
To cut fabrics
It cuts through fabrics fairly easily. This is espeially true for synthetic fabrics – though you can also use it with natural fabrics. When the tip of the tool is hot, it just burns away the material.
But the temperature should be maintained so that you are not overheating the tip and move fast through the material so that you do not melt away too much material from one side.
And, when you are not using the tool, in between, keep the tip raised on a stand. This will ensure that the tip does not damage anything else. And keep water way at all costs. No flammable material should be nearby. Also, turn it off and unplug the soldering iron when you’re not using it. Remember, it is electricity and heat. You can’t be too careful.
Fuse materials
Synthetic cord and thread or even fabric pieces can be fused together after heating with the soldering tool. You can heat the ends and fuse but be careful when using bare hands as it can burn. Use with heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from accidental burns
Making patches
This works on the principle of the tool sealing the edges neatly without fraying. After cutting patches from fabric you get frayed edges- simply melt the extra fabric away with the help of heat – and you have nice and easy patches. I mostly use it on embroidered net- the embroidery is already done for you – you just have to melt the edges of net away and your own embroidered patch is ready.
Melt away all the stray threads from the edges carefully. You can work on top of a tile or some hard surface. This is a better option than the paper I was using – the material tended to stick to the paper.
After use, ensure that you keep the tool tip clean by wiping it on a damp sponge. This cleaning should be done, in between too – but with a dry sponge. And store in a safe place, so that it doesnot get damaged.
