sinew vs. dental floss

[fiberartist219]

I have tried using artificial sinew in the past, and I found that some of my ties slipped a little. The string was slippery and the ties loosened slightly. They didn't stretch out, but the waxy surface just didn't grip itself, even if I tied it really tight.

Has anyone had this happen before?

I've been thinking about trying dental floss since I've heard that some folks have tried doing various shibori techniques with it. Does it slip at all if you tie it? Do you use the waxed, or unwaxed kind?

I am trying to think of different kinds of strings that don't accept dye, but can go in places where rubber bands can't.

[tiedyejudy]

I have not used dental floss for wrapping... just stitching.  It holds a running stitch very well, and is easier for me to see when I untie after dyeing.  As for sinew slipping, my only problem is getting the knot to stay.  I use sinew when I wrap medallions and it works fine.  But I recently revisited the peace symbol, and found it a little hard to get a good, tight knot to hold the folds.  BTW, I usually tie my garments damp, then soak in soda ash.  Are you getting the slippage after you soda soak?

[dianaj]

I always get slippage after I tie with sinew and then soda soak.  In fact, several of my shirts have fallen apart.  I've never stopped using rubber band because of it.

Any advice?

Diana

[fiberartist219]

I only had a small roll of the sinew, and it's been awhile since I've used it. I used what I had and decided I wasn't going to get any more if I could find something better. I don't remember at what point the ties slipped. All I know is that when I went to untie, some of them were already loose.

I use rubber bands where I can, but with larger pieces, it's nearly impossible to use them.

I do have a roll of string that's made of a mystery synthetic fiber that I like. I got it on sale, but I'm afraid of what will happen when I use it up and can't find any more.

I guess it comes down to good old fashioned experimentation. There has been talk lately about the same topic on DyersList, so I might try some of the synthetic twine that was mentioned there.

[ktaltre]

Phat Dyes dvd (http://www.phatdyes.com/) uses artificial sinew like M. Fowler uses string.
He winds the sinew around many times in his ties; he also doesn't really tie off and ties dry/soda soaked too.
His tied pieces look very sturdy; he also ties really tightly.
I tie that way sometimes, but on wet/damp pieces - the waxed sinew has a tendency to stick to itself when wrapped numerous times.
I have gotten to the point that I feel some tying materials tie certain types of ties (and fabrics) better than other others.
For example, I've started to use rubber bands on spirals; it seems the easiest.
Another example is on long ties like ecilA's rainbow shirt (http://itiedye.com/smf/index.php/topic,709.0.html), I like to use sinew like Tom&Martine. Tying a long piece is annoying (and the piece tends to twist) when using a continuous "thread".
adventures in tying stuff up..............
k. taltre

[ecilA]

I'm a pretty hardcore sinew convert.  LOVE it!    But I only use it on dry soda soaked material.  I use rubber bands on wet ashed.  It's really all about the technique at play.  I find the sinew invaluable for small details like the eyes and smile on a smiley face.  In the beginning I was handwaxing hemp thread and that was a pain, so finding out about artificial sinew really changed my approach to the whole thing.  That said, I will admit to not ever trying dental floss, sounds difficult for the way I do things, tiny and expensive!  I do have a roll of a waxed linen that I plan to play with when time permits.  It is thicker than floss, thinner than sinew.  In the end I figure it's all about technique and desired result.

[tiedyejudy]

Where do you get waxed linen, Alice?  I've never heard of that, but then I lead a sheltered life! 

Judy

[ecilA]

Where do you get waxed linen, Alice?  I've never heard of that, but then I lead a sheltered life! 

Judy

Oh Judy, were it not for the call of a salesman...got a call from a guy and he sent me a lovely box of samples.  He carries all kinds of tie-dye goodies, one that he was really excited about that he called "tiedye cord" which is a lot like kite string (if I'm remembering which is which in these samples) but not flimsy.  So I'm gonna post up the link, maybe it will help make his call to me worthwhile because I haven't needed supplies since he sent the samples though I do intend to call him when I am in need. 

http://textilebrokersco.com/

[fiberartist219]

I am intrigued!

[Releaf]

We use artificial sinew for our tie-dye, but I am also intrigued at the idea of using waxed linen.  I only recently discovered waxed linen when my sister showed me a journal she had made (based on a samanthakira video on Youtube -- really fun and easy.  Try a search on samanthakira and it's the first thing that comes up).  She used waxed linen to stitch the journal together.  It seems pretty strong and it comes in small rolls at JoAnn for not much money.  It's with the jewelry-making supplies.

I'll be interested in seeing how it works for you in tie-dye.

[fiberartist219]

JoAnn's, huh? I might have to go check it out. I like to try things in small quantities before buying a bunch.