Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Really stiff backing Please help >

Really stiff backing Please help

Really stiff backing Please help

Thread Tools
 
Old 03-11-2021, 06:48 AM
  #11  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Gaylord, MN
Posts: 3,938
Default

I really think if it was sold as 100% cotton, it should not be that stiff. I would try taking it back see what they say. Even though it has been washed, they may let you exchange it or something.
Karamarie is offline  
Old 03-11-2021, 06:54 AM
  #12  
Super Member
 
Macybaby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 8,122
Default

I've ended some extra wide fabric that was 100% cotton, and I think it was sold more as drapery liner or as an under fabric for upholstery. I used some for the curtains I just made for DH. They are pieced and quilted, but not intended to ever be used as blankets so stiff is fine.
Macybaby is offline  
Old 03-11-2021, 07:06 AM
  #13  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: McLoud, OK
Posts: 13,264
Default

I feel your pain. I bought some 'stiff" fabric and washed it. It helped just a little but you cannot tell it has been washed. Hopefully a second washing will help you.
Homespun is offline  
Old 03-11-2021, 07:10 AM
  #14  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,458
Default

White on white can be stiff due to how much “ paint” is added to the surface to create the pattern. Repeated washing may help but it will probably only get softer by breaking up the “ paint”.
Tartan is offline  
Old 03-11-2021, 07:17 AM
  #15  
Super Member
 
juliasb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Waterford Michigan
Posts: 7,241
Default

I know for a fact that washing with vinegar will soften things that are very stiff up nicely. And the vinegar does not effect the fabric or the color.
juliasb is offline  
Old 03-11-2021, 07:30 AM
  #16  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 15,911
Default

It it's cotton fabric for quilting then vinegar will soften it. I have had some stiff quilt back fabric before. I sprayed it with vinegar until wet and then washed it in hot water and detergent.
Onebyone is offline  
Old 03-11-2021, 07:45 AM
  #17  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Missouri
Posts: 3,430
Default

Originally Posted by OurWorkbench View Post
I just googled "soften stiff fabric". One of the suggestions was to soak with vinegar and wash with warm water. Another suggestion was to soak with baking/washing soda. Another was to use dryer balls.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
That was my first thought, to wash with vinegar.
Bobbielinks is offline  
Old 03-11-2021, 07:52 AM
  #18  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,867
Default

I have had two from the same seller arriver very stiff. Neither was a white on white and neither softened with washing. The orange one does seem to be softening a little as it's handled being quilted, but the blue one never did.
What did I do? Used them and upped my price on the next mail order backing.
Irishrose2 is offline  
Old 03-11-2021, 07:55 AM
  #19  
Super Member
 
OurWorkbench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 4,254
Default

Originally Posted by Macybaby View Post
I've ended some extra wide fabric that was 100% cotton, and I think it was sold more as drapery liner or as an under fabric for upholstery. I used some for the curtains I just made for DH. They are pieced and quilted, but not intended to ever be used as blankets so stiff is fine.
I was wondering about that.

I would like to see picture of the curtains you made . Also did you just do a casing for the top?

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
OurWorkbench is offline  
Old 03-11-2021, 10:14 AM
  #20  
Super Member
 
Macybaby's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 8,122
Default

Janey, I bound them like any other quilt. The curtain rods have rings with clips, and those clip on the binding to hold it up. I hang all my quilts the same way. They are much more like "wall hangings" than what you'd think of as "curtains" .
Macybaby is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter