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From: anne
Date: 11-30-2005, 12:10 PM (1 of 12)
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Could anyone give me some tips on how to soften a piece of very stiff denim. I got one that is big enough for me to make a couple of pairs of trousers for our 5 year old g/son but it is like a board. Washed it and it didn't make a bit of difference. Would it help to dry it in the dryer rather than on the line. Right now it is to stiff to do anything with. Thanks Anne NZ |
User: anne
Member since: 01-18-2003 Total posts: 5 |
From: Catalina
Date: 11-30-2005, 12:32 PM (2 of 12)
| The only way I know is to wash it several times. Everytime you do a load of jeans throw it in the wash. I do think the dryer makes it less stiff. I've had denim fabric like this and after several washings it finally relaxed. Also before I sew with denim now I wash it several times. |
User: Catalina
Member since: 01-06-2005 Total posts: 119 |
From: paroper
Date: 11-30-2005, 12:48 PM (3 of 12)
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ABsolutely! Wash it in the washer and dry it in the dryer. Even soft jeans and towels are stiffer on the line. Besides, the dryer will help shrink it which you want to do before you start sewing.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Dede
Date: 11-30-2005, 12:58 PM (4 of 12)
| Washig it in hot water will help (and fabric softener) a lot then the dryier. |
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001 Total posts: 469 |
From: Sancin
Date: 12-01-2005, 02:23 AM (5 of 12)
By now you may have tried every suggestion. In that case the fabric should be preshrunk! How about washing the fabric with something like a running shoe in the water and drying in the drier with shoe or tennis balls. It would pound the material about and I think that is how they make the sandwashed denim for jeans. I have never tried this, but I also have some heavy denim in my stash wondering what to do with it. 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: LauraM62
Date: 12-02-2005, 06:47 AM (6 of 12)
Usually any denim I've had that has been stiff has given up by the time I have washed & dried it 3 times in hot water & a hot dryer! That usually sends it into submission pretty well. I often add vinegar to my wash loads to, read that it helps get many chemicals out. Know it helps get dh's deodorant out of his t-shirts! Figure can't hurt some of my fabrics 
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 12-02-2005, 09:51 AM (7 of 12)
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How much vinager do you add Laura? I have that problem with my DH's tshirts too.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: anne
Date: 12-02-2005, 12:33 PM (8 of 12)
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Thank you to everyone who replied. I shall keep washing it and throw in the tennis balls then into the dryer Anne |
User: anne
Member since: 01-18-2003 Total posts: 5 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 12-04-2005, 10:06 AM (9 of 12)
I add about 1/2 to 1/4 cup of vinegar. When I first started I added more trying to break up that caked on stuff that was started. Once we started with new t-shirts the 1/4 of cup seems to be working at keeping the stuff from starting up! It really seems to work at getting chemicals off fabrics too. I found it in one of those tips from Heloise 
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246
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From: anne
Date: 12-04-2005, 01:43 PM (10 of 12)
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Yesterday I soaked the denim in hot water with washing soda and vinegar. Left it in there for a couple of hours, spun it in the washine machine then dried it in the dryer with a tennis ball. It is now much softer and ready to use. Thanks again for all your suggestions. Anne |
User: anne
Member since: 01-18-2003 Total posts: 5 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 12-05-2005, 09:07 AM (11 of 12)
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Anne - Glad we could help! Enjoy sewing it up !
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246
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From: gm23237
Date: 12-06-2005, 11:07 AM (12 of 12)
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I fill my washer on a low or medium height (water) and add plenty of fabric softner (a lot more than the instructions normally suggest). Then I run the washer for a few minutes to even mix the fabric softener. Turn off washer and l;et it set for a few hours then finsh the rinse cycle. I will however try the vinegar suggestion, I never heard that one before. As usual everyone is so helpful on these boards. Happy Holidays to everyone! |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145 
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