When using tulle or netting to make costumes, do you prewash the fabric? I bought a costume at Toys R Us and the netting was very stiff, when I washed it it became very soft. My 6 yr old wants me to make her some fairy princess dresses and I'm wondering about the netting.
Thanks for your help.
DeAnna
Same rule applies with dressing up garments as with 'real' clothes: if you want to be able to wash it after you make it, wash the fabric first!
You might find that a quick run over with a warm (NOT hot iron stiffens up that net again!)
NB: This is less the case here in the UK, where most fabrics are ready to use.
Dress net is stiff because it's for holding big skirts out. Tulle comes in various gauges: the thicker the threads, usually the bigger the holes.
I always think the best stuff for kid's clothes is tulle or bridal veiling (a finer tulle). You can get it in more colours from a dancewear fabric suppliers than from a high street shop. Here in the UK I use Nevtex for this sort of thing, but you might like to look up a supplier closer to home.
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