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-   -   Preventing unraveling fabric in the wash (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/preventing-unraveling-fabric-wash-t133473.html)

mzmama 06-28-2011 07:09 AM

Yes, all you need to do is clip the corners.

grammysharon 06-28-2011 07:20 AM

I wash on delicate and small items in a mesh bag(fat quarters or less). :-)

IBQUILTIN 06-28-2011 08:35 AM

I run a quick zigzag on unfinished edges

Somerset Val 06-28-2011 08:41 AM


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

I run the cut ends through my overlocker - it works great!

InfoLady 06-28-2011 10:14 AM

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...

auntpiggylpn 06-28-2011 10:33 AM

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.

Kas 06-28-2011 10:41 AM

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!

quilter2theend 06-28-2011 10:43 AM

Yep, wash on hand or delicate cycle, cold water (I use Woolite) and definitely zig-zag stitch around the fabric to prevent unraveling.

sew_itnow 06-28-2011 10:49 AM

I always just run my fabric through the serger before I wash it. Most of the time I don't prewash.

auntpiggylpn 06-28-2011 10:51 AM

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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