So once you pre-wash your fabric.. how do you get it to be stiff again for cutting?
#23
Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 30
I use a method I learned about from author Anita Grossman Solomon. I put the fabric and starch in a ZipLoc bag and refrigerate it, usually overnight. I like my fabric to be almost as stiff as a piece of paper --- not to everyone's taste, but doing so has helped me achieve excellent results. Take good care!
Do you then torn when fabric is damp or is it dry after being refrigerated over it, but cold?
#25
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 47
Katmom, I iron the fabric when it is cool and damp. If the fabric is too wet, I'll put it in the dryer for a few minutes first.
Here is a link to an article that describes Anita's starching technique.
Here is a link to an article that describes Anita's starching technique.
Last edited by Groucho; 03-12-2012 at 01:11 PM. Reason: Add link
#26
I can see pre-washing for quilts or for other projects what will be washed a fair bit, but what about making purses/totes? I have been making lots of them, and have not pre-washed the fabrics. I also like working with them when they have some body, but hate taking the time to pre-wash and starch etc. When I get a new fabric, I want to start cutting - NOW!! Do others on the board who make totes and bags for sale, pre wash??
#27
Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 30
Katmom, I iron the fabric when it is cool and damp. If the fabric is too wet, I'll put it in the dryer for a few minutes first.
Here is a link to an article that describes Anita's starching technique.
Here is a link to an article that describes Anita's starching technique.
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Central Iowa
Posts: 2,347
If you have not done it in the past no need to start now, I think it is a waste of my time. I did try it and it makes the fabric limp so then you have to starch it. So if you don't do it and it has worked in the past continue. Just wash with color guard when you wash it.
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Delmarva Peninsula
Posts: 1,151
I hang dry my fabric on a drying rack or shower curtain rod. I don't totally dry my good cotton tees either in the dryer either. Just enough to get most of the wrinkles out, and then dry on a rack. I come from the old school of laundry, I don't like soft limp clothes. With Air drying, the cotton fabric holds a shape better,and then after drying I spray starch it. If the fabric is thinner, I use liquid (blue) starch and water in the sink, and drip dry it outside on the rack. Love the smell of fresh air dried fabric.
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09-04-2011 07:48 PM