New fabric

[CuriousKitty]

When you get fresh new fabric, in this case Bo Peep pink Zweigart, it's quite stiff. Do you wash it first, or whip stitch the edges and then wash it?

Edit: And would it be better to wash it inside of a garment bag that a lady would use for her intimates, or would it be just find by itself in the washing machine?

[Allyn]

I don't wash mine first. I use a scroll frame. The fabric doesn't get 'handled', so it doesn't matter if it is stiff or not and I don't need to stitch the edges. I hand wash mine when I'm done. I know folks that put theirs through the washing machine -- sometimes in a lingerie bag or in a pillow case, and sometimes just thrown in by itself. I guess it comes out okay because they do it more than once. Just make sure it's colorfast. I would stitch -- whip or serge it -- first through. I would. . . others don't; and again, I guess it comes out okay because they do it more than once.

[richardandtracy]

I have never washed the fabric first. On a roller frame it's an advantage for it to be stiff. I do always hem first though, even though it tests my 'traditional' stitching skills to the limit.

Regards,

Richard.

[wendywombat]

I zig-zag stitch around my fabric, but I don't wash it. It softens with handling. In a frame it's better to be stiff. If you sew in hand then secure the edge by what ever method you prefer...stitching or tape....then scrumple it up between two hands. When you've finished the project and wash it then iron, it will be fine....even regain some of it's stiffness.

[CuriousKitty]

I've had bad experiences with a scroll frame (badly made, I thought my fabric was going to rip trying to shove it through the rough wood) so I'm really purely a hoop girl. But it seems to be a resounding "wash after, not before," so I think I'll go with that. =)