Using old draperies

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01-22-2017, 07:13 AM

#11

bluteddi

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Join Date: Sep 2010

Location: MN

Posts: 2,411

I agree..... test it and use accordingly.

01-23-2017, 07:11 AM

#12

Wanabee Quiltin

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2011

Location: St. Louis suburbs

Posts: 6,084

I have several drapes I have taken apart and used for totes. I wash everything in hot water and use the dryer. So far, I have had very good luck. I'm just wondering how old your drapes are?

01-23-2017, 07:15 AM

#13

annette1952

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: Harrison, MI

Posts: 8,493

Some of the older drapes ( or maybe even the new drapes now) had fiberglass in them so make sure the ones you use for a quilt doesn't have that in them.

01-23-2017, 09:34 AM

#14

mirish2

Senior Member

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: NW Illinois

Posts: 561

My SIL does quilts for charity at her church (Lutheran World Relief) If a fabric is okay after washing they will use them as liners (in place of batting). some of their quilts go to warmer climates and it okay to have lighter batting fabric.

01-23-2017, 03:56 PM

#15

VernaL

Senior Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: So Cal

Posts: 576

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyffer3

I was given a big box of drapes and thought I could use the fabrics. They are lined with a cream color fabric. I can tell they were special made. After I took them apart I see on two of the fabrics on the selvidge area where it says recommended dry clean on one and gentle wash, hang dry on the other. It says something about screen print. Can I use these to quilt and then be able to wash like normal? What does that really mean on fabric? There is several yards of each one and I kinda like the colors! What would you do?

I have used older drapes. I wash everything in warm water-full cycle. If there is rot, it will show up, if not in holes then in thin spots. They are great for quilt backings and I have used them several times and they seem to wear well. Some had muslin backings and I have used those too. Just be sure to wash and check the fibers for holes.

01-23-2017, 06:05 PM

#16

maryellen2u

Super Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: The other Milwaukie, Oregon

Posts: 1,913

I really hope this works for you! I love home dec fabric; such rich colors and large prints. Go for it and good luck! I'll be watching this in hopes you post pics!

01-24-2017, 11:40 AM

#17

madamekelly

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

Posts: 7,695

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuiltingVagabond

The other thing to be aware of is rot from sun/heat exposure. That may surface when you wash them, so that would be my first step.
Many home decor fabrics say dry clean only - even 100% cotton- to preserve color and finish.

I agree! The first quilt I ever made by myself, I used former kitchen cafe curtains because I had them and liked the color. Imagine my horror when I washed it the first time and all of the curtain fabric shredded. If the drapery fabric tests as cotton, do not use them in a quilt. Only polyester is sturdy enough to survive most sun damage. No natural fibers will hold up to repeated washings after hanging in sunny windows.