The fine-tipped soldering iron is one of the most creative tools available to textile artists and embroiderers today. Acclaimed embroiderer Margaret Beal is a pioneer of these techniques and makes the processes simple, safe and straightforward. Armed with this book and a soldering iron you will discover how to cut, bond, seal, seam, score and make marks on single or multiple layers of synthetic fabric, creating finished pieces that are beautiful in themselves or make unique surfaces for further stitching, whether by hand or machine. Building on the three basic techniques of mark-making, cutting and bonding, the book covers: Patterning with metal templates Sealing items between fabrics Scrunchy textures Strips and fancy borders Hollow 3-D shapes Intricate patchwork patterns Cutwork and applique techniques Working with metal grid and wireform Incorporating stencil film, foil and PVC Once you start experimenting, you won't be able to stop.