I know I should know this, but I don't know what sizing is. I think it's in the fabric when you buy it, but what is it and what is it for?
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I know I should know this, but I don't know what sizing is. I think it's in the fabric when you buy it, but what is it and what is it for?
Jeanne from the foothills of NE Oregon
"Remember that your instincts are more important than rules"
"The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness - You have to catch it yourself" Benjamin Franklin
Used to give your fabric more body. When you wash your fabric it becomes limp--sizing makes it more crisp but not as crisp as starch. I use it all the time.
Bernie
from Wikipedia "Surface sizing solutions consists of mainly modified starches and sometimes other hydrocolloids, such as gelatine, or surface sizing agents such as alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) or acrylic co-polymers. Surface sizing agents are amphipathic molecules, having both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) ends. The sizing agent adheres to substrate fibers and forms a film, with the hydrophilic tail facing the fiber and the hydrophobic tail facing outwards, resulting in a smooth finish that tends to be water-repellent. Sizing improves the surface strength, printability, and water resistance of the paper or material to which it is applied. In the sizing solution, optical brightening agents (OBA) may also be added to improve the opacity and whiteness of the paper or material surface."
aren't you glad you asked
Nancy in MN
Show off!Originally Posted by QuiltnNan
from Wikipedia "Surface sizing solutions consists of mainly modified starches and sometimes other hydrocolloids, such as gelatine, or surface sizing agents such as alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) or acrylic co-polymers. Surface sizing agents are amphipathic molecules, having both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) ends. The sizing agent adheres to substrate fibers and forms a film, with the hydrophilic tail facing the fiber and the hydrophobic tail facing outwards, resulting in a smooth finish that tends to be water-repellent. Sizing improves the surface strength, printability, and water resistance of the paper or material to which it is applied. In the sizing solution, optical brightening agents (OBA) may also be added to improve the opacity and whiteness of the paper or material surface."
aren't you glad you asked
Bernie
I prefer using sizing to spray starch for pressing after I wash the fabric before cutting. I don't like the stiffness of starch, but I need more than just water sprayed and pressed.
Beth in Maryland
Wow quiltnNan, you are a plethora of words.ha.
Can you buy sizing at Walmart?
Jeanne from the foothills of NE Oregon
"Remember that your instincts are more important than rules"
"The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness - You have to catch it yourself" Benjamin Franklin
I am glad I asked. This told me a lot (even tho I didn't understand all the words) ha hafrom Wikipedia "Surface sizing solutions consists of mainly modified starches and sometimes other hydrocolloids, such as gelatine, or surface sizing agents such as alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) or acrylic co-polymers. Surface sizing agents are amphipathic molecules, having both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) ends. The sizing agent adheres to substrate fibers and forms a film, with the hydrophilic tail facing the fiber and the hydrophobic tail facing outwards, resulting in a smooth finish that tends to be water-repellent. Sizing improves the surface strength, printability, and water resistance of the paper or material to which it is applied. In the sizing solution, optical brightening agents (OBA) may also be added to improve the opacity and whiteness of the paper or material surface."
aren't you glad you asked
Jeanne from the foothills of NE Oregon
"Remember that your instincts are more important than rules"
"The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness - You have to catch it yourself" Benjamin Franklin
Yes, it's 97 cents at my Walmart.
Bernie
I am glad you posted the question jcrow. Now I have been educated as well.
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