Hi there - my husband was at at yard sale and picked up about 35lbs of material
I have some newbie questions.... 1. most of it isn't marked.......it there any way to tell if is 100% cotton - 2. I really want to wash it but a lot of it has unraveled edges - should I cuts those off first? - 3. is there someway I can keep the material from getting any more ragged during the wash? Appreciate your thoughts Judy |
A burn test will help determine fiber content - google "fiber content burn test" and you should come up with plenty of info.
I'd zig zag along the edges if you're worried about raveling, or I've read a straight stitch will work as well, and use less thread. But I haven't tried it with a straight stitch. ETA - I'd definitely wash it, though. No telling where it has been. |
For fabric content I use the match test. I just cut a small piece of fabric and light it with a match. You don't really need to burn it completely, a edge is enough. When it is cool feel the edge, if it feels stiff and scratchy it is some kind of synthetic if not it's a natural fiber.
To deal with the raveled edges I would just trim and sew either a straight or zigzag stitch a 1/4 from the edge. Congradulations on your find! |
Personally I would just throw it in the wash and take my chances on the edges. I am very weird about germs and stuff and who knows where it's been-I wouldn't want it in my sewing machine until it's been washed. I would do the burn test after washing.
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Originally Posted by gale
Personally I would just throw it in the wash and take my chances on the edges. I am very weird about germs and stuff and who knows where it's been-I wouldn't want it in my sewing machine until it's been washed. I would do the burn test after washing.
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Hi JudyNH~
I'd trim the edges and throw it in the wash. Pinking the edges is a good way to stop those tangled edges from reappearing. I never heard of the burn test so I'm glad I read your question and answers. Good Luck! |
Thanks, all - will pink the edges, then into the wash, and finally do the content test.....
I can't believe all the responses so quick.........you truly are a "newbie's" lifesaver......... JudyNH |
Originally Posted by JudyNH
Thanks, all - will pink the edges, then into the wash, and finally do the content test.....
I can't believe all the responses so quick.........you truly are a "newbie's" lifesaver......... JudyNH |
I would do the burn test
http://www.ehow.com/video_4409571_fa...ton-linen.html and wash the fabric http://quilting.about.com/od/fabrice...ing_fabric.htm
Originally Posted by JudyNH
Hi there - my husband was at at yard sale and picked up about 35lbs of material
I have some newbie questions.... 1. most of it isn't marked.......it there any way to tell if is 100% cotton - 2. I really want to wash it but a lot of it has unraveled edges - should I cuts those off first? - 3. is there someway I can keep the material from getting any more ragged during the wash? Appreciate your thoughts Judy |
Originally Posted by gale
Personally I would just throw it in the wash and take my chances on the edges. I am very weird about germs and stuff and who knows where it's been-I wouldn't want it in my sewing machine until it's been washed. I would do the burn test after washing.
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