I have a question. When you color on fabric should you wash the fabric first? Or does it not matter.

When I did mine, I washed the fabric first to get the sizing out so the color would be uniform.

That makes a lot of sense.

Yes, definitely wash to get sizing and chemicals out.

Yes to the prewashing. Also use a poly cotton blend, and heat set it after "coloring". If you use 100% cotton the color will fade with washing even if you heat-set.

Thanks for this info. I have material I planned on using for this, but it is 100% cotton. I'll have to get some of the cotton/poly blend.

yes wash the sizing/chemicals out of the fabric before doing any treatment---doesn't matter if you are coloring, dyeing, using fusable webbing- anything like that the *stuff* should be washed out before using. and i've always used 100% cotton and had it hold up quite well. i just make sure to wash the finished item in cold water. when i tried a blend the color did not set at all. same as dying- the dyes do not work for me on poly blends---only cottons.

I always use cotton and haven't noticed any fading, but I do colour fairly dark.

I color on cotton also.

One tip I learned: If you want to blend colors, start with a white crayon and then add on.
Another: You can always add more if it is too light.

The reason I suggested a poly cotton blend.

Quote from Sulky site.

Prepare the Fabric
To remove any finish, wash and dry the poly/cotton fabric. (100% cotton will not hold the crayon and will fade with washing.)


http://www.sulky.com/project/crayonart/