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bearisgray 04-17-2012 01:45 PM

One of the times I did not wash the fabric before making something out of it - ("pillowcases" for couch cushions) - they were nice and roomy when I made them - and I've ONLY washed them on tepid or cool water since - now I need to cram the cushions back in them. And that's when the covers are still damp. I'm guessing there was at least 2 inches WOF shrinkage in that piece.

Yes, I've noticed that many fabrics seem to shrink more in one direction than the other.

Lori S 04-17-2012 01:51 PM


Originally Posted by PaperPrincess (Post 5149029)
OK, I hate to bring up the wash/not wash issue again, but... I always prewashed. After joining this board and reading that many do not, I started to measure my fabric before & after washing. I found everything I washed measured the same before and after. 1 yard in, 1 yard out, 4 yards in, 4 yards out etc. I always washed the entire yardage I bought. So I was starting to think I was wasting my time & energy and was going to stop. About a month ago, I got a deal at my LQS and bought most of a bolt. I only needed a yard, so I cut a yard and washed it. It had a bit of metallic, and i wanted to see if it dulled, so I laid it on the uncut portion. To my amazement, it shrunk 2" WOF. I never measured this! Since then I've started taking this measurement too and I have found that EVERYTHING (except batiks) I've washed shrinks WOF. LQS brands, WallMart, JoAnn everything. I think I would be OK if the shrinkage were the same in both directions, but not in one direction only. Anyone else notice this?

I was always taught that fabric shrinks the most on the lenghtwise grain. Like you , I have recently seen ALOT more shrinkage on the width of fabric...and I mean very apparent , sometimes I see it shrink on the ironing board .. and on the width not the lenght.

jaciqltznok 04-17-2012 02:15 PM


Originally Posted by Lori S (Post 5148825)
I too share in your need to rant about this issue. It just ... pushes my buttons , chaps my......, frosts my...that fabrics are still sold that run and bleed. In an era that has seen so much , putting a man on the moon, can talk on the phone virtually from any place any time, can acess an infinate about of information at the touch of mouse..... but we still can't/won't produce fabric that does not bleed/run.
Back' in the day" some manufactures actually had on the bolt end all of the processes , sanforized/mercerized etc that was used in the process of that particular fabric.

amen.....with all the other chemicals on it, you would think they would at least TRY to remove the dye chemicals fully first!


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