Creases in Hand-Dyed Fabric

[zippered]

Should hand-dyed fabric (particularly from Picture This Plus) be washed/ironed prior to use to remove the creases? Or will that ruin it?

This is my first time using anything hand-dyed and I don't want to mess it up. Thanks!

[karen4bells]

Hello and welcome to the forum
I just looked at PTP site and found this info on the washing --

Are your fabrics washable?
Yes! We use our washing machine and hot water to wash the fabrics before they’re dyed and then again after the dyeing process. They are as washable as they can be!

Are your dyed fabrics colorfast?
Yes. We use chemicals to bind the dye to the fibers and to stop the dyeing reaction. Then we wash the fabrics with a special detergent that removes loose dye. The brightest and darkest colors (such as Phoenix and Mystic) are washed twice to try and get out all the unbound dye. That being said if you are someone who always washes your project when you are finished stitching remember the threads are not colorfast and there could be loose dye in the fabric. It's recommended to rinse your piece in cold water and not let it soak.

I won't guarantee anything, as I've only quoted what they have on their site---I usually don't bother trying to wash the fabric before I stitch as oftentimes any creases will vanish as I am stitching, especially if I use my qsnaps. I would likely use a steam setting on the iron and place the fabric between two clean dampened towels rather than washing the fabric.

[zippered]

Thanks, Karen!

I can't believe it didn't occur to me to just check their website. This is why I should make sure I have coffee before I post.

[backafteradozenyrs]

You could also lightly iron it to remove creases.

[Mystonique]

I've washed mine with white stitching on it already (quite dark colours) and never had a problem.

[Serinde]

I've started ironing fabric before I begin stitching recently, mostly because many of my fabrics are folded for storage. I like to make sure the creases will come out before I start!

[kinley626]

Those creases drive me batty. I have a few pieces from PTP and have not had any problems with ironing out the creases.