Stiff fabric
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Grew up in WV but retired in Between, GA
Posts: 1,046
Stiff fabric
I recently bought some fabric at the thrift store---it is cotton, looks like it may be older but so stiff. What do they do to fabric to make it stiff and will it wash out? Other than the stiffness it is nice fabric that I would like to use. It was enclosed in plastic bags so did not realize it was so stiff.
#4
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
Could be excess dye or sizing, if so, washing should soften it. It may also be a home dec fabric, like polished cotton which is a bit heavier and stiffer than quilting cotton. And, finally, are you sure it's 100% cotton? Some blends are very stiff.
#5
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I would wash it with detergent. If it is still stiff afterwards, I would use it only in utility quilts. If the stiffness is gone, I would starch it to restore stability before cutting and piecing.
Manufacturers add lots of chemicals and sizing to fabric before it is put on the bolt; washing will get rid of them. Some people automatically wash new fabric because they are allergic to some of the chemicals in new fabric.
Manufacturers add lots of chemicals and sizing to fabric before it is put on the bolt; washing will get rid of them. Some people automatically wash new fabric because they are allergic to some of the chemicals in new fabric.
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04-03-2012 08:21 AM