This post is a supplement to my Thimble Pip Tutuorial.
After I posted about the first three thimble pips I’d been making, one of my readers e-mailed me asking me to share what kind of plastic I was upcycling to make the pip forms. She gently reminded me that international readers such as herself might not have something similar in their part of the world to use as a reference.
So I’ve been experimenting with different types of containers.
Pictured below are the types of plastic that seem to work best for making the pip forms.
These all have recycling numbers of 1 or 2.
I did make this 2″ Redwork thimble pip…
from an empty dishwasher detergent contain which has a recycling number of 5
But that thimble pip takes a lot more pressure to squeeze open… which over time might really wear on the fabrics I used. I would not use that heavier kind of plastic container again.
I hope this helps all my readers get an idea of the kinds of plastics to look for in their own country that can be upcycled to make thimble pip forms.
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3 Comments
Lesley de Bruijn
January 31, 2021 2:27 pmI use old x-rays for my thimble pips and scissor keeps. They are very flexible and light weight. But alas becoming rather rare and hard to find
Lynda
March 25, 2015 10:47 amIf you are making a lot of pips, consider getting a package (usually a 3-pack) of flexible plastic cutting boards. You can get multiple pieces from each board, and you don’t have to wait for a container to be emptied.
A larger version for a little girl’s purse can be made with plastic canvas and a small snap or magnet tab closure.
Dave
November 8, 2014 1:52 pmYou are right…no two plastics are the same. Some are very pliable whereas others not so much. Love the articles.
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