This article explains how to make a neat cover or blade
sheath for pliers, scissors, or similar long and sharp
objects that have blades in need of covering to prevent
accidental poking or injury. This blade sheath is simple to
make using four plastic drinking straws; it can be made by
interweaving different colors or can be made plainer for the
more experienced craftsperson. One of the excellent features
of using a plastic straw is its stretchability which ensures
that the blade sheath can expand and contract slightly to
cover the size of the pliers or other tool being sheathed.
Here is how to make it.
!! Steps !!
Flatten the straw between a finger and thumb, as shown in the image.
Cut down the middle of the flattened straw, lengthwise.
Leave the last 5mm (0.19'') uncut, as shown in the image.
Repeat the cutting process on the same straw three times. Cut the
remaining three lengths at even distances between each former cut
length.
This is how the end result will appear.
Create three more straws in the same fashion. Use a differently
colored straw for each of the four straws.
Weave the first two straw colors together. Follow exactly the method
shown in the image.
Weave the other two colors the same way. Be sure to push down the
woven pieces to make the two straws sit flush at the point that the
arrow is showing.
Turn the straws to their "inner" side. Hold them together as shown
in the image.
Use spring clips to hold the two pieces in place together.
Begin weaving the yellow straw from one piece with the blue straw
from the other piece. At this stage, you are now joining both pieces
together to start forming the blade sheath.
This is how the weaving will start to appear.
Hold the weaving together using another clip. This will prevent your
efforts from unraveling as you continue weaving the next part.
Weave the red straw from one side and the orange straw from the
other side. Do this in exactly the same manner as the previous
weaving of the yellow and blue straws.
Continue weaving the colors together. Keep everything slanted at a
right angle as you weave (as shown in the images).
Keep the clips in place so that the sheath stays intact as you work
on it.
Continue weaving until you reach the "top" of the sheath.
Hold the end together using another clip.
Use pliers or scissors to cut off the excess pieces that cannot be
woven into the sheath.
Cut as closely as possible to ensure a neat finish.
Use a lighter to gently seal the end in place. Do this with great
care; you don't want to melt your work.
The finished neat end, sealed off.
Remove the clips from the other end of the sheath. Cut the corner
roundly.
This is the finished sheath.
Alongside the pliers (see the length works well).
With pliers inserted.
!! Tips !!
* Scissors sack When making this sheath for the first
time, use four colors to make it easier to learn and to see where
you're weaving the pieces. When you have mastered this, it's also
possible using just one color, as shown by this scissors sheath.
!! Warnings !!
* Take care when cutting to avoid cutting fingers.
* Be super careful when using the lighter to avoid burning your
fingers or melting the rest of your work.
* A plastic straw can break when cold. It would be easiest to make
this in a warm room.
!! Things You'll Need !!
* 4 plastic straws (6mm /0.23'' wide, 17cm/6.7'' long),
each a different color to begin with
* Scissors
* 4 clips
* Pliers
* A lighter or flame source
!! Related WikiHows !!
* Make Floating Hearts from Plastic Straws
* Make a Spinning Cartesian Diver
* Create a Chinese Finger Trap
* Make a Ribbon Bow from a Plastic Straw
* Fold a Pentagon from a Straw
!! Sources And Citations !!
* Original source of article, http://www.geocities.jp/min_pda/ and
http://kitchenplasticarts.blogspot.com. Shared with permission.
!! Article Tools !!
* Read on wikiHow
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