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MAKEWORKS
Papers/Cotton Rag (Denim) Paper
RecycledModerateSafety: Low Risk

Cotton Rag (Denim) Paper

Old jeans become 100-year archival paper — the original Western papermaking fiber.

Texture
Soft blue-grey, archival
Yield
≈ 4 sheets per cup

Cut up worn-out cotton (jeans, sheets), boil and beat the fibers, then form sheets.

  • ▸Cotton makes the strongest, longest-lasting paper there is.
  • ▸The beating step is the key — the longer the fibers are beaten, the stronger the sheet.
  • ▸Old paper money is made this way.

Steps

  1. 01

    Simmer fabric in water with 2 tbsp washing soda per litre for 2–4 hours.

  2. 02

    Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.

  3. 03

    Blend small handfuls with lots of water — cotton is tough, blend in short bursts.

  4. 04

    Pull, couch, press and dry like other sheets.

Materials
4
  • — Old 100% cotton denim or T-shirts (cut in 2 cm squares)
  • — Washing soda (sodium carbonate)
  • — Big pot
  • — Blender + mould & deckle

Safety

Low Risk

Mostly hand tools and inert materials. Standard studio hygiene applies.

Quick checklist
  • ☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
  • ☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
  • ☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible

Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.

Notes

True rag paper. Acid-free, lasts centuries — same fiber Gutenberg printed on.