FIMO leather-effect: Sewing with modelling clay
With FIMO products, crafting is always a unique experience. An oven-hardening modelling clay, FIMO leather-effect can even be sewn once it has hardened. To avoid mistakes and to create long-lasting, beautiful accessories, we recommend that you follow the information provided in this FIMO leather-effect sewing guide. You will then be able to create innovative and incredibly versatile DIY accessories or jewellery with the look and feel of leather. Now there is nothing in the way of you bringing your creative ideas to life.
FIMO leather-effect: Before sewing
Before the oven-hardening modelling clay is ready for sewing, it has to be prepared correctly. To do so, follow the FIMO leather-effect instructions for optimum results. This means:
- Wash your hands and clean the work surface
- Prepare the modelling clay and mould it roughly into shape
- Harden FIMO leather-effect in the oven (30 minutes at 130°C)
Thin sheets of FIMO leather-effect are particularly suitable for sewing. To roll out the clay sheets as evenly as possible, use the FIMO Clay machine or an acrylic roller. Once rolled out, the clay needs to be hardened. The hardened sheets of FIMO leather-effect can then be easily cut into the desired shape. Once you have completed all these steps, you can start sewing.
Tip: If there is any FIMO left over after preparation, this can be put back in the packaging film to protect it from dust, and used again later.
FIMO leather-effect: How to sew the modelling clay
Once the sheets have been rolled out and hardened, there are two options. FIMO leather-effect can either be sewn by hand or using a sewing machine. In this case, only outer seams are possible. This means than the seam and the outer edge will always be visible. On jewellery made with FIMO leather-effect, you can sew unique patterns that make every piece one of a kind.
FIMO leather-effect: Sewing by hand
To make hand sewing easier, you can pierce the holes before you start. Apart from that, you don’t need to use a certain type of needle or special thread to work with the leather effect modelling clay. The advantage: You can design your craft project just as you imagined it. Follow our guide to working with FIMO leather-effect. For example, we explain how you can easily punch holes in FIMO leather-effect and how to cut it into shapes.
FIMO leather-effect: Sewing on a sewing machine
If the sheets are thin enough, you don’t need a special needle or foot for your sewing machine. It is only for thicker sheets that we recommend using a denim needle. This is sharper than a universal needle, but blunter than a leather needle. This makes it particularly suitable for sewing FIMO leather-effect. You can also choose the thread you want to use. Whether a similar or contrasting colour, and whatever the thickness, the choice is yours.
Good to know: Modelling tools like the acrylic roller or Clay machine will help you every step of the way when working with FIMO leather-effect, from preparing, shaping and hardening the clay to working on it and sewing it.
Unlimited creativity with FIMO leather-effect
The leather-effect modelling clay can not only be used to create new pieces of art – you can also use it to give old items a new lease of life and add new decorative highlights. In our Discovery Area, you can find instructions for numerous craft projects. For example, you can learn how to use FIMO leather-effect to make a notebook cover in a leather look, produce jewellery with FIMO leather-effect, or fun keyrings.
