Stiff Fabric
 

I have a piece of fabric that I've washed a few times and it still feels kind of stiff. Do any of you use fabric softener?
Thanks

I think you want it a little stiff to cut. I don't recommend fabric softener unless maybe after everything is done and you are washing the finished product.

My mom gave me this fabric. I'm only going to make pillowcases, but I don't want to use it if it's going to be stiff. I've never had this issue with fabric. Have you ever had it? Maybe it's a super high thread count. I don't know, but I don't like it all stiff. hehe Do you think washing it in hot water would help? I washed it in warm 3 times and dryed it. Still too stiff. grrrrrr

I bought some last week at Hancock's and it was stiff. I asked the lady that cuts fabric if she thought it would soften up, she said she couldn't guarantee but maybe once the sizing is washed out it would. Guess what?? It didn't :(

I can't believe Hancock Fabrics sells this quality fabric.

If you think its just a "finish" put on the fabric try a vinegar soak 1/4 - 1/2 cup to 1 gal water ( warm) to remove what may be excesive finish. You may have to swish it around abit to really work the fibers. If that does not work .. maybe its not a good choice.

Try ironing a scrap of it with a fairly warm iron. If it shrinks up it has polyester in it. Polyester tends to stay stiffer than all cotton. Take another scrap and wash it with the fabric softener and see if you like it better. Others may have some more hints for you. Good luck.

When I first started quilting, I bought some Walmart fabric (20 years ago!) it was stiff from the Paint/Ink used to print the background color onto it (yech!) It is really hard for me to part with fabric, but that stuff all got donated.