Since I wanted a very 'sculpted' bodice, I tried a few different methods of stiffening **fabric (cotton)** around a mannequinn arm to see how well it would manipulate and hold it's shape.
NOTE : I covered the mannequin arm in plastic cling film to ensure it would keep it clean and that I would be able to take it off after.
**1 - F U S I N G**
Using a meduim-weight **interfacing fusing** fabric, bondaweb and selected cotton fabric, I shaped these around
Image showing method (from left to right) -
1 - Wrap interfacing fusing (sticky side up)
2 - Cover layber of bondaweb over
3 - Wrap cotton fabric over & use heat and steam from iron. Take off after
Result - The fusing did not do what I was hoping to achieve. It holds a shape but it is very delicate. I will not persue with this method.
**2 - C O R N S T A R C H**
After doing some research online, I discovered cornstarch can be used as a natural stiffener for fabrics.
Some tutorials that I observed [DIY Fabric Stiffener with 2 Simple Ingredients](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfvS5j_YDCs) and [MACRAME - HOMEMADE STIFFENING SPRAY - CORNSTARCH](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQfjtPd_KO8&t=3s)
The general recipe from the tutorials is 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of cold water
I wanted a very stiff mixture so I used a ratio of 2 : 1 (water : cornstarch)
RECIPE
Water (cold) - 180 grams
Cornstarch - 90 grams
Add the cornstartch to cold water and stir.
Heat mixture and stir
Add fabric (backside into mixture)
Let dry
Image showing cornstarch mixture + fabric
**3 - B I O _ M A T E R I A L**
Inspired by technique in [T E X T I L E _ S C A F F O L D](https://class.textile-academy.org/2024/stephanie-johnson/assignments/week11/) week and adapted recipe from [B I O _ M A T E R I A L S](https://class.textile-academy.org/2024/stephanie-johnson/assignments/week06/) week
RECIPE
Gelatine (powdered) - 24 grams
Glycerine - 6 grams
Water - 120 grams
Heat & mix well
Add fabric + sculpt onto shape
Allow to dry
Image showing comparison of Cornstarch with Gelatine Bio-material (wet)
