Preventing unraveling fabric in the wash
06-28-2011, 08:41 AM
#44
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Somerset, England
Posts: 285
Originally Posted by Julie's free time
I end up with a ball of string with fabric flags hanging off of it when I try to wash a bunch of fabric. I tried according folding and then pinning the ends, still got a wad-o-tangles, this time with pins sticking out of it; putting it in a mesh bag, got a wad-o-tangles in the bag; and the latest try is cutting the edge with pinking shears. Waiting for the load to finish now to see if that worked.
Any suggestions to avoid the next Gordian knot?
Julie
Any suggestions to avoid the next Gordian knot?
Julie
06-28-2011, 10:14 AM
#45
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 5
I sew the ends together in a Mobius strip - R side to W side of fabric - after pinking the ends. This stops the terrible fraying in the washer, and prevents the bad twisting, tangling, knotting in the dryer. I also take it out before completely dry, cut off the stitched end and hand smooth it while folding. Works a treat! Having said that, I must add that I no longer pre-wash everything - just the reds, indigos and hand dyed. Works for me; YMMV...
06-28-2011, 10:33 AM
#46
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Michigan. . .FINALLY!!!!
Posts: 6,726
I have not got the pinking of the edges to work for me. Doesn't matter if it is a small piece or a yardage. I've tried the basting zig zag on the edges and it worked better for me than the pinking. I always set the washer on delicate and use a larger load size than is needed. Quality of fabric makes a big difference too.
06-28-2011, 10:41 AM
#47
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Renton, WA
Posts: 2,045
I cut the corners. Then I can use the corners to test for colorfastness. I also save the threads that do come off. I trim them after the wash and before the dryer. I set my pile of strings on the dryer and when it is dry, I put it in the bag with the rest of my collection! Someday they will be sandwiched between two layers of batiste or organza to make my own desingner fabric for art quilts. Just haven't gotten there yet!
06-28-2011, 10:51 AM
#50
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Michigan. . .FINALLY!!!!
Posts: 6,726
I agree that it is nicer to sew with if you don't pre-wash the fabrics but... I have to wash every fabric I am using because I am allergic to the chemicals that are used in the manufacturing of fabric and the chemicals used to make the fabric so crisp. After being in a fabric shop and touching fabrics, I have to wash my hands immediately and use a special prescription cream. And I LOVE to touch fabric...
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