Using Different Types of Fibers into Your Crafting Projects
Crafting with fibers is a fun and innovative way to add a new dimension to your crafting projects. Whether you’re looking to create texture or a specific effect, experimenting with different kinds of fibers can lead to exciting new discoveries.
Understanding the Different Types of Fibers
Before diving head-first into your next creative adventure (and let’s be honest… probably pulling everything out on the craft table 😄), it really helps to have a basic understanding of the different types of fibers available and how they behave. When it comes to crafting, one of the most fun parts is experimenting with them — they add texture, movement, and that lovely “ooh, what is that?” factor to your projects.
Each fiber brings its own personality to the party. Some are soft and cozy, others are bold and textured, and some shine because of the story behind how they’re made. Mixing them up is a simple way to add depth and visual interest to tags, journals, mini albums, mixed media pieces, and scrapbook layouts.
Natural fibers like wool are fantastic when you want warmth, softness, and texture. Wool fibers and curls create beautiful dimension and work especially well in layered projects or as tactile embellishments. Cotton is another staple — strong, versatile, and perfect for tying, stitching, or adding subtle texture without overwhelming a design.
Silk fibers, such as Sari Silk Ribbon, bring a completely different feel. They’re soft, fluid, and full of colour variation, making them ideal for wrapping tags, covering mini album spines, adding detail to scrapbook layouts, or even weaving through embellishments. Because each piece is unique, silk adds an organic, slightly whimsical look that instantly elevates a project.
Then there are synthetic and recycled fibers, like Plastic Fiber Tops (Reprieve). These may surprise you — they’re slightly rough, fluffy, and brilliant for building layers and bases in mixed media work. They hold sprays and colour beautifully and are a great way to add texture while also telling a meaningful sustainability story.
By understanding how each looks, feels, and behaves, you can choose the right one — or better yet, combine a few — to create projects that feel rich, thoughtful, and completely your own. Don’t be afraid to play, layer, spray, stitch, and experiment… fibers were made for creative fun after all ✨
Here are just a few great ways you can incorporate fibers into your next crafting project.
Plastic Fiber Tops
We all know the stats are pretty scary — millions of plastic bottles end up in landfill and our oceans every single year. Even when we do the right thing and recycle, most of us actually have no idea where that plastic eventually ends up. It’s a bit of a mystery journey, really.
Here in NSW, many plastic bottles are recycled and given a second life in all sorts of ways. They can be turned into car parts, clothing, shoes, and more — and some even come full circle and become plastic bottles again. That’s recycling done right.
When plastic is recycled into clothing, it’s first transformed into a product called Reprieve, also known as Plastic Fibre Tops. This material is then used by many of the world’s leading brands to create textiles and garments, which is pretty amazing when you think about it.
As a fiber, it has quite a rough, slightly fluffy texture — a bit like cotton wool — which makes it surprisingly interesting to work with in creative projects. I sprayed some of the fibers with Nuvo Shimmer Spray and used them as a base underneath the quote, adding texture, depth, and just a touch of sparkle. It’s such a clever way to repurpose a material with a big backstory and turn it into something creative and meaningful ✨
Kids Mohair Curls
These delightful hand-dyed mohair curls are sourced from beautiful angora goats right here in Australia - how special is that? You can enjoy them exactly as they are in their natural colour, or hand dye them yourself to perfectly match your project (dangerously addictive, just saying 😄).
They’re wonderfully thick, super soft to the touch, and incredibly versatile. Use them just like plastic tops for embellishing — they’re perfect for mixed media projects, tags, journals, art pieces, and all those “just one more detail” moments we crafters love. When you gently open up the ends, they also create the most gorgeous fringe effect, adding instant texture and movement.
I’ve used them on the tags shown below as a background for buttons and cotton, and they really bring everything together. Honestly, this has to be one of my absolute favourite fibres to work with — it adds warmth, softness, and that little bit of magic that makes a project feel extra special ✨
Sari Fibers
Sari Silk Ribbon isn’t just a pretty fibre — it comes with a beautiful story too, and that’s part of what makes it so special. Rich in colour, texture, and character, it’s one of those materials that instantly adds interest to any project and gets the creative wheels turning.
Made from 100% sari silk, this ribbon is often referred to as Recycled Sari Silk Yarn. While it’s not recycled in the traditional sense, it’s thoughtfully created from remnants of sari fabric left over during the making of full saris, or from saris that are no longer wearable. Instead of these stunning textiles ending up in landfill, they’re given a second life — and honestly, that feels pretty good while you’re crafting.
Because each ribbon is made from different pieces of silk, no two are ever the same. You’ll see beautiful variations in colour, pattern, and texture, which makes it perfect for journaling, mixed media, tags, wrapping, stitching, weaving, gift embellishing, and all sorts of creative play. It’s soft yet strong, a little wild around the edges, and full of personality — just how we like our craft supplies 😉
Other Ideas On How You Can Use Fibers in Your Craft Projects
1. Wind the fiber very tightly and then glue it down on cardstock for use as a flower center.
2. Use fiber to tie a bow.
3. Make a frame around a matted photo or a journaling box.
4. Use fiber to tie through holes on a shoe die cut.
5. Use as a cluster (wind together).
6. Use the fiber as a clothesline and use the mitten die cuts and hang the mittens from
small wooden close pins.
7. Use fiber to hang charms.
8. Attach brad to paper and use the fiber as a yo-yo.
9. Thread embroidery floss or fiber through a button and tie a knot.
10. Use fiber to hang charms.
11. 50. Use fiber to add dimension to rubber-stamped images.
12. Use fiber to tie through the hole of a tag.
13. Use fiber to attach a tire swing to a tree.
14. Thread punches on fiber.
15. Use fiber as a bow on a present die cut.
16. Use fibers to tie on buttons.
18. Create a spider web on a Halloween project.
19. Use fiber as the string for a balloon or kite.
20. Lace two pieces of cardstock together.
21. Use fiber to hang embellishments on a page.
24. Braid or weave fibers together.
25. Weave fiber through the mesh.
26. Use fibers as decorations on a Christmas tree.
27. Make hair for paper dolls.
28. Hang your page title from fibers.
29 Spell out a word with fiber and glue it to cardstock.
30. Use fiber on maps to show locations, trip distances, and more.
31. Create seaweed on an ocean or vacation page.
32. Make hair or other features on the paper doll die cut.
33. Stitch or mount as a mountain/water outline.
34. Use as fringe for hair/mane on an animal.
35. Use fibers to make tassels.
Experimenting with Color
When it comes to adding depth and interest to your crafting projects, color can make all the difference. Using vibrant, bold colors can create a statement piece that really pops, while more subtle hues can add a sense of delicacy and elegance.Consider experimenting with different shades of one color or incorporating contrasting colors for a bold look. You could also try using variegated fibers. Remember, even small changes in color can have a big impact on the final project. So don't be afraid to experiment and find new and exciting color combinations for your next crafting endeavor!
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