Fabric washers
 

This is for the people that wash long lengths of fabric. I don't know if it was on this board or some where else but they talked about how to wash long lengths of fabric without them getting all balled up in you washer and dryer. I usually buy a bolt of black cotton fabric and then use Retayne. But by the time I get it dryed I have a tangled mess sometimes. Any suggestions on how do this differently?

I let it damp dry then iron it. I wash on handwash cycle so no threads ravel.

Yes. Fold the fabric loosely as if it is on an imaginary fabric board. Using large safety pins, pin 4-6 layers together at the top of the "bolt", and the bottom of the "bolt". Use safety pins liberally (like about 20) so it stays together but it is still loose. Run through the Washer and dryer in this manner and you won't get tangled.

I do similar to this, but accordian fold mine into about 10" pleats and put about 4 safety pins across the top and bottom; and when I take it out of the washer I shake it gently to get it to hang back into the "pleats" before putting it into the dryer. (I have never done more than 10 metres this way)

Thanks for the question and answers. I'm always shrinking yardage (quilting fabric and other fabric for costumes). Can't wait to give this tip a try.

I overcast the raw ends before washing the fabric.

I also take it out of the dryer a couple of times to unwad it while it is drying.

i like the fold and pin method

I prefer to use the serger and overlock each end.
Using a zig zag stitch on the sewing machine works just as well.
The accordion thing didn't work for me. Maybe I'm a bit anal
but I prefer the fabric to be loose so it washes evenly.
Not sure I would wash a whole bolt of fabric at once.
That's a lot of fabric. I guess it would depend on the size
of the washing machine.

I give up and make manageable one yard or so pieces out of lengths.

I have sewn the two ends together with long basting stitches and have also trimmed the ends with my pinking shears..both have worked for me.