washing fabric; folding it first?

- B
- Barb Grajewski
  
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posted
20 years ago

Wed, Oct 8, 2003 6:46 PM

A friend moved into a new place where the former tenants left behind the window treatments. One room had swaggy valances set up... when we took them down, i saw it was full width, uncut lengths of nice fabric. So, I folded them up and took them home, but the fabric really needs washing, before I can do anything with it.

I remember reading here once about a method to fold fabric for prewashing so it doesn't turn into a twisted mess. Fold in half lengthwise, then accordion folds?? One length is about 28 feet, the other about 16 feet... How can I manage this? I'm loathe to cut the material up into shorter lengths til I know what I want to do with it....

- B
- Beth Pierce
  
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posted
20 years ago

Wed, Oct 8, 2003 9:13 PM

- C
- Corasande
  
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posted
20 years ago

Thu, Oct 9, 2003 11:59 AM

some fabric will fade at any fold you put in it in the washer. Doesn't usually happen but can. I stitch the raw edges together in a big circle. The ends not being able to whip around and twist is what keeps it from twisting too much. I've washed 20 yards this way and only got three twists.

It also helps to take fabric out of dryer a couple of times and re loading so it drys evenly.

- L
- La Vida Xena
  
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posted
20 years ago

Fri, Oct 10, 2003 12:54 AM

THANK YOU I really needed this info, and I hadn't even asked for it. Xena

- T
- Trishty
  
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posted
20 years ago

Fri, Oct 10, 2003 9:06 AM

I wouldn't fold the fabric for washing, as you can get wear marks on the folds.

I wash fabric lengths in a big lingerie bag so they don't twist - it's handy because it already has a zip, etc. But if you don't have one big enough, you could make one from an old net curtain, any size you want. They're endlessly useful, for delicate items or things with nice buttons, etc. Then I cool tumble dry until damp (still in the lingerie bag) and dry indoors over a flat dryer.

:) Trish