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From: fatmama
Date: 01-13-2004, 02:38 PM (1 of 10)
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I was wondering what is the correct way to preshrink fabric. My elderly neighbor told me that I needed to add laundry soap to the water. I have some fleece I want to preshrink, so will wait until I hear what others have to say. thanks Fatmama 
Becky s Patterson
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User: fatmama
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 11 
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From: stitchmd
Date: 01-13-2004, 03:00 PM (2 of 10)
| Whatever the finished piece will be subject to is what the yardage should get. I go one better and wash things warmer than I expect my finished project to be washed, just to be sure it has shrunk enough. If you plan to use detergent or soap on your garment then you have to do it to the fabric. How else can you be sure it will hold up to it afterward? Why wouldn't you want to do it? |
User: stitchmd
Member since: 02-25-2003 Total posts: 226 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-13-2004, 06:29 PM (3 of 10)
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Using laundry soap or detergent takes out the sizing. This is better for your machine & makes the fabric easier to work with along with making sure that is is shrunk enough. I don't usually preshrink polar fleece as it doesn't shrink or have much sizing. I also wash fabric that has been sitting a while. that will tell if there are any sun fades or weak spots. I have only had this problem once but that was enough. If it is out in the open for more than 6 months it gets washed when I'm ready to use it. Barb Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: fatmama
Date: 01-13-2004, 07:11 PM (4 of 10)
Mom of 6 I have never worked with fleece so I didn't know if it shrunk or not. Thanks for the info on the detergent, now I understand why it would be needed.  Fatmama Becky s Patterson
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User: fatmama
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 11
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From: plrlegal
Date: 01-13-2004, 08:28 PM (5 of 10)
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fatmama it is not necessary to wash and dry fleece before sewing it. I've worked with a lot of fleece and have yet to loose a garment because it shrunk after laundering. Fleece is all nylon and does not shrink. I have 2 shirts and a jacket make of fleece and none of them have shrunk after repeated washing and drying. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: fatmama
Date: 01-13-2004, 09:39 PM (6 of 10)
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plrleagal, A jacket is what I want to make, now I am trying to decide if I want to make one with buttons or a zipper. I think buttons would be easier.  I guess I will soon find out.Fatmama Becky s Patterson
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User: fatmama
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 11
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From: plrlegal
Date: 01-14-2004, 02:31 AM (7 of 10)
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fatmama: Go for the zipper. Buttonholes can be a bear to put in fleece. One of my sister's did corduroy jackets with flannel linings for herself and her 2 daughters and used the sport zippers. They were really cool looking. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: sewserious
Date: 01-14-2004, 07:06 AM (8 of 10)
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Originally posted by plrlegal Fleece is all nylon and does not shrink. Patsy Actually, FYI, polar-type fleeces are made from polyester, not nylon. It can make a difference in handling if you have the wrong info. Also, wash polar-type fleece garments in cold water and tumble dry on low wrong side out. |
User: sewserious
Member since: 08-24-2003 Total posts: 112 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-15-2004, 07:28 PM (9 of 10)
Also, an article I read said no liquid soap... for polar fleece.. Said liquid soap lets all the dirt star on the fabric.. Sounds crazy, but I'll use the tablets, not the generec woolite from the dollar tree that I use for most of my knits..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: fatmama
Date: 01-15-2004, 10:05 PM (10 of 10)
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Thanks for all the information you ladys have given me. I have alot more confidence in sewing, now that I know I can ask questions. Also I am going to use a zipper instead of buttons. fatmama Becky s Patterson
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User: fatmama
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 11
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