As I was purchasing fabric today, the sales clerk told me to be sure to iron the wrong side of the fabric with a dry iron to set the metalic colors in the fabric. Before washing. Is this something new?

Never heard of that. Thanks for the tip!

That would make sense maybe it allows it to stay on longer so it doesn't come off as fast. I will try it next time! Thanks for posting this!

I can see the value of doing that...but have never actually heard about that...Thanks...could save dramas with the metallic bits coming off.

Thank you for the tip :D:D:D

Never heard that.. but you know it's worth a try.. I've seen the metallic come right off when washed.

Interesting tip. Wonder if it works?

I am glad to learn this little tip about ironing on the wrong side of your fabric, to set the gold accents!! I had never thought about it before. Thank you so much.
:D :D :D :D

Oh My! I have loads of Orientals with metalic prints! It would be horrible if it came out in the wash!
True or not, I'm playing it safe! Thanks for the tip!

Thanks

Reason number 11 why I don't use metallics........:cry:

Jan in VA

That's interesting. I will try it the next time I use a metalic fabric. Thanks for sharing.

Great idea. The best thing about that tip is that even if it didn't work, it doesn't cost anything to try it, and it might just save a lot of disappointment later on.

I have heard, with the metallics, wash using a non-phosphate laundry soap.

I have heard of this . When I first started using metallics , I noticed the bottom of my iron had "stuff" burnt on it. Since I had not starched the fabric, it was the metallic that was coming off... not enough that the metalic design was lost. But it was a mystery for awhile.
I make a good amount of quilted clothing ( to sell) that is primarliy metalics, and have learned to iron on the wrong side. Not all will have an issue , but you never know which one till you find out the hard way. Many of the fabrics that have a "glitter" is particularliy sensative to direct iron heat.

Also, you will want to put the fabric on a non stick surface while ironing. You can also spray lightly with starch and that will help set the metallic into the fabrics.

What "sticky surface" would you be ironing on? She specified ironing with a dry iron, so I don't think I'd use starch for the first ironing, although I thought about it.

Thank you for the great tip

Ok so now I have to iron before AND after washing?? Oh goodness I better start liking ironing more. LOL!

I heard it's the dryer that causes the metallic to come off. I never paid attention because I don't care if the metallic disappears or not.

Jan, you sound as if you've had several experiences with metalics that make you not want to use it. Can you specify? I have loads of metalics and most are just beautiful. If I shouldn't use them for a quilt I need to know. Maybe more along the lines of a nice wall hanging maybe? I like how we learn something new everyday on here. :idea: