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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: lovingit
Date: 10-08-2003, 02:53 PM (1 of 16)
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Hi All! Firstly...just wanted to say hello and I'm so glad I found you!!! Hope to get to know some of you soon!!! Secondly...I need some advice...I have gotten mixed reviews on this topic... I make baby blankets, burp cloths, bibs...my question is this...do you prewash your fabrics prior to construction? if so, even flannels (which pill). I am at a loss on this...when I discuss this with other sewing friends it is a standoff... I currently do not prewash (unless it's for tushie wipes or diaper doublers), because some of my customers appreciate that "new look", but lately, some have mentioned that they would have liked for it to be preshrunk...it's no big deal for wovens or knits...but what do you guys think about flannel? when i make burp cloths, i don't prewash the birdseye, because there is a TOTALLY different look to a "before" and "after" birdseye. I am wondering if those receving blankets from any large store have been preshrunk prior to construction... Hoping you can give me your opinion...  Thanks, Tif Proud Army Wife and WAHM of 2 boys!
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User: lovingit
Member since: 10-08-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: lovemyfabric
Date: 10-08-2003, 03:14 PM (2 of 16)
| Hi, welcome to Sew What's New! I always prewash any fabric that can shrink, like flannel, cotton, rayon, etc. But, I don't make things to sell like you do. I know what you mean about flannel looking different after it is washed. |
User: lovemyfabric
Member since: 06-06-2003 Total posts: 126 
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From: Aimee S
Date: 10-08-2003, 06:21 PM (3 of 16)
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Items that shrink I also pre wash. then after wards I use magic sizing on the fabric to return it to the crisp new look.
The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488 
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From: Sewing Oodles
Date: 10-09-2003, 07:52 AM (4 of 16)
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Originally posted by Aimee S Items that shrink I also pre wash. then after wards I use magic sizing on the fabric to return it to the crisp new look. What is magic sizing and where do you get it? Hugz,
Cindy~Texas |
User: Sewing Oodles
Member since: 07-29-2002 Total posts: 69 
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From: MaryW
Date: 10-09-2003, 10:36 AM (5 of 16)
Hi lovingit, welcome to Sew Whats New. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: dmoses
Date: 10-09-2003, 10:43 AM (6 of 16)
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Maybe soaking the fabric in hot water, without detergent or agitation, will shrink it without causing too much pilling. I was advised to do this one time, but I confess, I have never tried it. I make things for home use and normally wash the fabric exactly the way I would when it is actually dirty. Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: Aimee S
Date: 10-09-2003, 11:36 AM (7 of 16)
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Magic sizing is made by Niagra and is in the laundry area at Wal mart. It is like startch but it is lighter. It is the same stuff they put in the fabric when it is made. It is the sizing well all wash out. I also like my steam press to help with the sizing. it is like a dry cleaners but personal size.
The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488
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From: lovingit
Date: 10-09-2003, 11:52 AM (8 of 16)
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Thanks for the welcome and for your responses...maybe i'll try to soak a large swatch today to see how it shrinks, the pilling etc. good tip on the magic sizing... thanks, tif Proud Army Wife and WAHM of 2 boys!
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User: lovingit
Member since: 10-08-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: stitchmd
Date: 10-09-2003, 12:03 PM (9 of 16)
| How about labelling your creations Pre-Shrunk or Chemical-Free. You might need a little tag explaining about sizing and shrinkage to convince customers that what they are getting is better than things which look new but don't hold up or can cause allergies. I think I am allergic to sizing since I cannot spend too long in fabric stores without sneezing and watery eyes or handle new fabrics at home for very long. Since these are baby items this could be a positive selling point. People buy beat up, faded jeans and something just washed once certainly looks newer than that. |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: lovingit
Date: 10-09-2003, 12:13 PM (10 of 16)
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stitchmd...that is a good perspective... i am just so hung up about flannels...i just need to get over it, i think... Proud Army Wife and WAHM of 2 boys!
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User: lovingit
Member since: 10-08-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: sewserious
Date: 10-09-2003, 06:10 PM (11 of 16)
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If you are worried about flannel pilling after just one washing and drying before sewing with it or selling something made with it, then what type of quality is it? If you are worried about it, then think how it will look after the customer has washed and dried it one time. If it pills then, they will think the quality of fabric is low. I'm not trying to be mean or rude, but if you are selling these things, then it is something to think about. Good quality flannel will get thicker and softer after washing and will not pill, at least not for a long time. |
User: sewserious
Member since: 08-24-2003 Total posts: 112 
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From: lovingit
Date: 10-09-2003, 06:18 PM (12 of 16)
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i do think about that, and that is why in this same sense, i am not thinking of carrying too many more flannels. the michael miller and marcus brothers flannels i carry pill after one washing, as well as lose so much of its color...maybe from a bad bolt? i don't know. i was just wondering what people did with their own business, and what their process of their production was, is all... thanks everyone! tif Proud Army Wife and WAHM of 2 boys!
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User: lovingit
Member since: 10-08-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-09-2003, 06:44 PM (13 of 16)
I do not wash anything in hot water.. I use warm and unless it is something very delicate.. I use regular cycle or permapress cycle.. I have a delicate cycle , but I don't use it except for an old sweat shirt that I painted a long, long time ago and it still looks good, so I try to give it a little extra attention.. But , The flannels I buy here keep their color just fine..I can usually tell by touch the ones that are going to pill... Have you tried giving them a shave after you take them out of dryer and before you present them to customer..?? I think I am lucky to be in the South in a Textile region, we seem to get only top quality fabrics down here...
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: lovingit
Date: 10-09-2003, 06:49 PM (14 of 16)
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thanks for your suggestion libby...i will remember that! i am here in upstate NY...the fabric stores here are small (and lacking!)...and for my business, i have to resort to purchasing online...sometimes i just wish i can touch the fabric before i purchase... thanks again! tif Proud Army Wife and WAHM of 2 boys!
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User: lovingit
Member since: 10-08-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: sewserious
Date: 10-09-2003, 09:49 PM (15 of 16)
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I understand what you mean about having to buy online. I do too. I always prewash fabric before using it to make something I am going to sell. I don't want the customer to have any surprises after they buy the product. Just another thought. Is your flannel 100% cotton? I am wondering now if it might be a poly/cotton blend if it is pilling. I seem to have more problems with the blends doing that because of the polyester in them. It might be worth checking into. |
User: sewserious
Member since: 08-24-2003 Total posts: 112
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From: lovingit
Date: 10-10-2003, 08:55 PM (16 of 16)
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i am almost pos they are 100% cotton...but i'm gonna check again for sure!!!! thanks for the tips.... tif Proud Army Wife and WAHM of 2 boys!
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User: lovingit
Member since: 10-08-2003 Total posts: 6 |
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