I have washed it in the washing machine on cold and line dried it 3 times now thinking the more you wash linen the softer it becomes. Is this actually true? It is still very stiff. I wanted to make a cute little skirt to match this sweater, but if it won't get any softer I'm going to have to find another project to use it for. I don't like to use fabric softener because my skin is allergic to the perfumes in it. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Attention linen experts!
I have a question for you. A few months ago I bought this cute 100% linen print from Denverfabrics.com. I've ordered linen from them before without incident. But this stuff is super stiff!!!
I have washed it in the washing machine on cold and line dried it 3 times now thinking the more you wash linen the softer it becomes. Is this actually true? It is still very stiff. I wanted to make a cute little skirt to match this sweater, but if it won't get any softer I'm going to have to find another project to use it for. I don't like to use fabric softener because my skin is allergic to the perfumes in it. Any thoughts or suggestions?
I have washed it in the washing machine on cold and line dried it 3 times now thinking the more you wash linen the softer it becomes. Is this actually true? It is still very stiff. I wanted to make a cute little skirt to match this sweater, but if it won't get any softer I'm going to have to find another project to use it for. I don't like to use fabric softener because my skin is allergic to the perfumes in it. Any thoughts or suggestions?
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I'm sure you've thought of this, but how about using a pattern for a structured garment that would work with a stiff fabric? Like a pencil skirt?
ReplyDeleteIt would make a great tote or shopping bag. :) I'd say if it hasn't softened after three washes it's time to accept it's a stiff fabric. I hate it when this happens though, so I understand the disappointment. I've bought a lot of fabrics on-line I wasn't happy with.
ReplyDeleteLouise Cutting says that The trick to softening linen is to wash it and then dry it in the dryer . (3 to 4 times for both!) I have done this with several pieces of linen and have been pleased with the result. Why don't you give it a try- it is too cute to not use!
ReplyDeleteDotty
I have also heard if you wash it with a little Dawn (by hand) it will remove the oils and soften the linen.
ReplyDeleteI sew with a great deal of linen. I do the pre wash on HOT and dry in the dryer. A couple of trips around the old Kenmore and it is very soft. I recently did this on some very heavy home dec linen and it worked beautifully. After it is constructed, I am a little kinder. Anything tailored would be hand washed or dry cleaned as the construction requires. Anything with color other than pastel gets a cool wash. But it will soften in the prewash. Expect it to shrink but not too much.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that the stiffness is in the weave. Washing may relax it but not totally. Perhaps a cropped jacket like your red one might be the go?
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteHope this helps in some way
Visit the below link
http://thelaststitch.blogspot.com/2009/03/fabric-fact-friday-linen.html
I agree with other posters, definitely wash it in warmer water and machine dry it, I often find fabric and larger garments/towels etc. go stiff as a board when I line dry. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda!
ReplyDeleteHave you tried a fabric softener? Here (in Germany) you can buy fabric softener for allergic skin in a pharmacy or a drugstore. It´s without perfume and it works!
Otherwise I can just agree with the other posters and suggest warm water and machine dryer.
I´ll keep my fingers crossed for you! The fabric is really cute!
Best wishes from Germany, Vanessa
hot water wash. tumble dry high, use a shoe or something to beat it up if you think it needs it. Linen isn't delicate unless its blouse weight (then I'd skip that shoe). It will shrink. I dye a lot of linen, and put it through tough treatment and it just gets nice and soft.
ReplyDeleteI did wait and read through all the responses and I agree with Mandi. Stick one of your son's sneakers in with the wash. It will beat the linen up and relax the fibers. Then use the dryer...if this process doesn't work, you will have to rethink what you want to make with it!
ReplyDeleteSome home dec linens are woven with a stronger flax and different weave to withstand wear...maybe you've purchased a home dec linen inadvertently.
I stopped using fabric softener years ago and substitute distilled white vinegar instead. No, there isn't any vinegar smell after the laundry is done. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe vinegar aids in rinsing and softening. I use 1/4 cup in the fabric softener dispenser. Internet searches should turn up lots of info on this if you're interested.
I recently bought some printed linen from Denver fabrics. Mine is stiff also. It almost seems like it should be used for upholstery.I haven't tried to wash mine yet because I don't know what I'm going to make with it, but I think I will try that. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteFunny, I bought a cotton lawn from Denver Fabrics and it was stiff too. I throw my son's old sneaker in the dryer all the time to soften up clothes and linen. Works great.
ReplyDeleteI haven't done a whole lot with linens, but I do know this. Put in a couple tablespoons of vinegar during the rinse cycle. It works as a fabric softener and it also cuts down on suds in front load washers. I do this for most of my clothes :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know if that went through or not, so I'll recap - don't use fabric softener, DO use WATER softener (vinegar works). If you have any, I would use real soap. That will remove any sizing or whatever else they may have put on it, and it will rinse out completely. Regular detergent will not. If you use regular detergent and don't have any water softener or vinegar, just run it through the wash again, with no soap. Detergent is a bear to rinse. Whether it's in the laundry or on your dishes. I only use natural soaps, because of it. Dirt WILL stick to detergent, but detergent sticks to EVERYthing. Along with the dirt that's sticking to IT. That's why kitchen dishcloths and towels begin to smell so quickly.
ReplyDeleteWith regard to softeneing - I once had a napkin stuck to the back of a mattress pad that got softened real nice. So much, that it no longer matched the others. So I put THEM under the mattress pad so they'd all match again! LOL!
Thanks for the info. This post was written 5 years ago, though. I can't even remember what became of that fabric, but it's not hanging in my closet. Either the garment didn't turn out or I gave the fabric away. :)
DeleteEven though this post was written years ago, did you know you are the number one result in google for "how to soften linen"? :D So I appreciate your respondent's untimely response! Off to try vinegar and soap on some stiff green linen.
DeleteHa! This post is one of my top 5 most popular pageviews, and I always wondered why. Guess I know now. ;)
DeleteThis is late in coming but I use my sheep's wool and make dryer balls. Softens all my clothes naturally!
ReplyDelete