I would like to know how to wash fabric pieces. The pieces are 1/2 yd and less. I went to a tag sale and bought a pile of fabric for $5.00. The fabric was sitting in a box in the basement bedroom closet. It has a musty smell to it. Should I try to wash it in the washing machine? I think the fabric was bought 10 to 20 years ago. Was it a good idea to even buy old fabric? What are your thoughts on this?

put them in a lingere bag or pillow case, if they're not rotten it was a very good idea, post pictures for us please

How can you tell if the fabric is rotten?

I would stretch the fabric the same way and amount that it would be stretched/used in cutting/sewing/using...if it rips easily, it's rotten, or too thin to be practical in piecing. Also if there are a lot of holes in the fabric, I'd get rid of it.

Also put some baking soda in the washer
will help get rid of the smell

Thank you I'll go and try stretching some fabric. This scares me

I also have a bunch of old fabric's and thanks to these quilters they were saved from the trash and nolonger smell. So make sure you use the baking soda in the wash.

I have the fabric in a pillow case in the washer I put in some baking soda with the soap.I'll let you all know what happens after it washes.

use pinking shears on the edges, or clip the corners and toss it in the wash with your detergent and some baking soda (to help get rid of the mustiness) if it falls apart it was rotten...if it holds up you have a great find!

I can't wait to see your fabric.
Please post some pic. :D

For 5 bucks I don't think you can go wrong. I have fabric that's around 20 years old!! But I don't store in the basement.
You could easily blow 5 bucks at Starbucks :)
Post pics!!

Hi all,
The washer has just finished and I opened up the pillow case. Phew it still has the same smell. Should I just wash it in baking soda only and maybe let it soak for awhile. And then rinse and wash it again in soap?

I wash with white vinegar and regular ol' laundry detergent to get rid of mold smells. Has always worked for me.

I would rewash with vinegar also.

You might need to let it soak in baking soda in the water for a little while then run the cycle. I had to do it twice forgot to let it soak the first time. Guess I should have mentioned that. BTW use a good amount of the baking soda. Like 1/2 cup or more.

I love old fabric. Give it a gentle tug to see if it rips easily, clip the corners at an angle to keep it from raveling, soak with some baking soda in the water, then wash on gentle cycle. If the pieces are small I would just iron to dry.

I no longer just clip the corners of my 1/2 and fat quarter because they unravel anyway, especially if you're washing a lot of them. I now use pinking shears and, for me, it works better than any other method.
Some of you all have the best luck finding fabric at garage sales.

Here are the pictures of the old fabric that has been washed. They turned out great. Thank you for all your help.

That's great!! I'm chuckling b/c the blue way at the far left is one I still have!! I mentioned having some oldies.
You have some nice things there and they look great!
Have fun with them :)