I was wondering if anyone else had tried this. I saw a show on TV years ago about washing large pieces of fabric. The lady said to fold the fabric in a accordian style with the two edges of the salvage on opposite sides. Then to put large safety pins in along the salvage edges. This keeps it from twisting up as it washes and dries. I tried it for the first time yesterday, and it worked like a charm. I had a piece almost 7 yards long to wash. The salvage edges did not dry completely, but that was the only thing.

I usually cut really long pieces into 3yd plus a few inches pieces and do this. If you use a safety pin on each corner, run it through once and clip it, the ends will dry or at least they do in my dryer.

It works great! The largest piece I did this way was 10 yards.

I also have used this read it on one of the groups years ago.
I generally don't wash my fabric( unless it is required- swap etc) but I had purchased a large box of fabric art an auction that smelled! Used this tip and had it all washed up in no time and no twisted mess!

Did you fold the fabric some way before the pleating? Trying to picture pleating 10 yards of straight fabric.LOL

No just 5" of so pleats
and use great big pins ( like diaper pins)

What a good idea! I will try this!

I do mine in bigger pleats than that, about 8-10 inches. I don't get too particular about the measurement thing though so don't think you have to have a ruler hanging by your washer.

Ok - sorry - long day!

I need pictures please! :(

ETA - reread it and got it ... sorry ... I told you it was a long day ... and it was HOT and STICKY and TIRING

Yes, I have done that on over 100 yards of fabric in 5 to 7 yard cuts. It works perfectly. /Regards, Dorothy

Thanks for the tip, I will try this next time I wash backing fabric.

great tip thanks!

I keep it folded in half as on the bolt, then fold about every yard - an arms length, back & forth until I get to the other end. Then I put several large safety pins across the selvedge edge thru all layers.

Hope this helps!

I'm going to try this.