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so im about to undertake quite a huge project ive got my fabric cut and ready but its really stiff, does anyone have any tips to loosen it off?

Washing it will take the stiffness out. But be sure to finish the edges so they don't frey.

KK, how do i do that? lol god i sound like such a newbie XD

If its just regular fabric- not hand dyed/ overdyed- it can be washed in cool water with detergent- rinsed well, and left to air dry. If its aida- it will really loosen up after washing.
If its an overdyed fabric- ask the retailer or the manufacturer before washing.

If you don't want to wash it, I think just working with it will loosen it over time.

If you are asking how to finish the edges there are several ways. If you own a sewing machine you can just zigzag the edges. (that is what I do) If you do not own a machine you can whip stitch the edges, or use what they call Frey Check (sold in most fabric stores or on-line) some people us tape but that does not do much when you are washing fabric.

And really don't worry about the questions that is why we are here and we love to help!!!!!!

What sort of fabric is it, just out of interest?

I've never washed my fabric before using it and it has always loosened over time as I've worked on it. But then, I've only ever used Aida and Hardanger.

Hey lizzie its 18 count aida

thank you everyone else for the tips about finishing the fabric,

in a way, unless you plan to make it in to something that it would be a problem, working on the fabric when it is still can sometimes be helpful... just like working on perforated paper is sometimes better than fabric, it just depends. I would leave it stiff until it is stitched, but that is just me.

y'know i hadnt really though what i was going to do with the final product lol..probobly frame it..

I use fray check. Maggie sent me some as a gift and I love the stuff. Just don't fray check right before stitchy time it take a little while to dry hehehe.

I know this is an older thread but this is exactly the problem I have been having with my new kit! I am using 14 count Aida and it is so stiff I have to fight to get it onto a hoop I end up pressing it together on the floor with my feet. I am fighting to get the needle through, there is no give in the fabric threads. I have developed a sore spot on my finger from pushing the needle through after just a few hours of stitching. I tried rinsing it in cool water and letting it dry over night but that didn't help, it just made the edges curl lol. I have already started stitching so I am afraid of the thread bleeding if I soak it or use warm water. My fingers are so sore and I am having a really hard time working with it. I am at the point where I can't stitch for more than 15 minutes without my finger hurting so bad I have to stop. I have never had this happen so I don't know what to do, especially since I already started.

If your fighting to get your needle through.. they put the wrong needle in the kit. For 14 ct aida.. a size 24 or 26 tapestry needle would work best. 26 is the smaller of the two. Its the easiest of the options to just change your needle. And since washing your fabric didn't really help- I suspect your needle is the problem.

What kit are you doing? I have never heard of fabric being so stiff before? You should enjoy your stitching not be in pain, either a trip to the store where you got it and explain the problem, they may change it for you or if bought on line e.mail the kit company and see what they come back with, will be interested in the answer, sorry I cannot think of anything else?

If you are working with a quality fabric and thread then washing it will not be an issue. The threads don't bleed. Be.sure to look at the kit first to be sure that the thread is not overdyed, that thread will possibly not hold up from a washing.

I have washed all my project and never had any of them bleed off.

Maggie may also have the answer and your needle is just to big for the size of the fabric holes. Didn't think of that when making my first reply.

It is a Dimensions kit called Ebony and Ivory I bought it a few days ago from Joann fabrics. Nothing says the size of the needle but I never thought about that being the problem, I'll have to see if I can find my needles and switch it out. I didn't really 'wash' it, I just rinsed it quick cause I read that could loosen it up, maybe I need to use some soap. The instructions say to wash the finished project with mild soap so I am guessing that I can wash it with some soap. I think I'll try that, and a new needle. Thanks for the replies!

MaggieM1750 wrote:If your fighting to get your needle through.. they put the wrong needle in the kit. For 14 ct aida.. a size 24 or 26 tapestry needle would work best. 26 is the smaller of the two. Its the easiest of the options to just change your needle. And since washing your fabric didn't really help- I suspect your needle is the problem.

My thoughts exactly.

I'll pick up a new needle when I run in town later and hopefully that will help, I never thought the needle could be the problem. Thanks a ton!

I only mention this because you call yourself a newbie. Are you using the correct number of strands of thread? Using too many strands of thread could make pulling the thread through difficult.

I know by now that you might have found the problem. Just one more tip. When I purchase packaged fabric or have fabric from a kit, I will grid out (easier with the fabric being stiffer). Then I iron the fabric with a steam iron. I cover the fabric with a pillow slip and iron. I found, it reduces the stiffness of the material.