Is thread preshrunk?

Is thread preshrunk?

Thanks for the info and tips! I was going to use a khaki-colored 100% cotton denim (twill, is more proper, I think), to make a slip cover. I assume washing it will be like washing jeans.

I've successfully used denim for washable slip covers. Make sure you wash it several times before making up, as it does shrink a bit. Once it's made up, I usually tumble-dry till damp, then put the cover on still slightly damp so it stretches.

Chintzes were traditionally washed in times past, but Cea's right - they lose their finish. They used to be periodically reglazed. I've washed and rewashed old chintz curtains and they've turned into just a soft cotton.

The slipcovers on my current sofa are a cotton jacquard, which has stood up well to washing, though faded over time. I like the shabby chic look, so I was happy with this.

:) Trish

I've read that an old method of glazing chintz was using egg whites. If that is true, it ought to be possible to reglaze with egg whites. Is anyone familiar with this?

another Sharon

I believe that today's method involves rolling the fabric between steel drums somehow. I've never actually seen the process, but this is what I got from the description someone gave me verbally.

Karen Maslowski in Cincinnati

Well, that set me thinking. I always understood them to be calendered, so I did a little search. Try

- there's a wealth of information. Apparently originally it's waxes and starch (plus calendering), but more modern chintzes can have vinyl resins that don't wash out.

:) Trish

And there are some home dec fabrics that have Teflon finishes, too. Sheds dirt and dust, and apparently doesn't wash out easily. Karen Maslowski in Cincinnati

James's school trowziz are teflon coated! Dirt slides off wonderfully in the wash!

They use it quite a bit on ourdoor clothing too, as it makes water droplets ball up and roll off.

Very interesting site. Thanks for the link. another Sharon