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Fiddler's Cloth problem

I just purchased a piece of Fiddler's Cloth, and the plastic tube in which it was packaged prevented me from discovering, until I was at home, that the fabric is very stiff. So stiff, in fact, that I believe if it were folded into quarters, it would stand on its own.

Is it acceptable to launder this type of fabric to soften it up before stitching begins? If laundering is permissible, do I need to zig-zag around the edges to reduce fraying? Is fabric softener a viable option? In the current condition, the fabric will simply not fit tightly into my hoop.

Thanks for any advice.

Reply to
nabokovsmuse
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If you wash it, you will remove the sizing, which presents its own problems. Those four-strand Aida squares won't hold together as well, and you will find yourself unpicking many stitches where your needle went down between threads 3 and 4 instead of into the larger hole where it belongs.

Much better to just "knead" it for a while in your hands to break down the sizing. Put it on your chair and sit on it. This will soften it enough to get it into your hoop without completely removing the sizing.

Reply to
Karen C - California

I've had the same problem with a lot of the fabric in tubes. I have "fixed" the edges with a zigzag stitch or serger stitch and then I have washed it - or rinsed it in just clear water, then ironed it dry. I really haven't had any problem with this process. I think it could be a problem if it wasn't ironed dry - but this has worked for me! Good luck.

Reply to
Kit

I can't thank you enough, Karen. You are a jewel.

Betty

Reply to
nabokovsmuse

If you launder this material it will shrink just like leather will and it will come unthreaded. Soak it in a small amount of cloth oil for 2 hours and sew what you are planning to and then wash it on permanent press.

Reply to
chrickett

If you launder this material it will shrink just like leather will and it will come unthreaded. Soak it in a small amount of cloth oil for 2 hours and sew what you are planning to and then wash it on permanent press.

Reply to
chrickett

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