Tartan

I just watched Jamie Walen on YouTube giving the reason he always prewashes his backings, uses best press and irons. He said we are not buying as much fabrics as we used to ( true for me) so manufacturers are using more formaldehyde and sizing so the fabric can sit on the shelf longer which makes it difficult to sew through. Yucky! Other information also on the video.

bearisgray

Can/Will you post a link to that video?

juliasb

You can definitely tell when a fabric has more sizing or what ever in it. Some fabrics are even somewhat stiff to the touch. Those are fabrics I avoid. Since I air and rotate my fabrics once a year and refold on a different plane my fabrics are seeming to last very well. I also do this to avoid any sun bleaching even though all my fabrics are stored in a cool and dark cabinet, I do not take any chances. I will be looking back here for the link. I hope you will post it for all of us. Thanks

Tartan

​The YouTube video title was Pre Wash Backing- Handi Tip. It is only been up a few hours but I don’t know how to do a link, sorry.

QuiltnNan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZdxvxO9Ky0

Onebyone

I would never let my kids wear new clothes that hasn't be washed first. So many chemicals used in clothing fabrics to get the clothes looking pristine. When my eyes start to water around clothes in the store or fabric in a quilt shop I don't buy any. I get watery eyes at JoAnns, Hobby Lobby, and the long gone Hancock Fabrics. I seldom get watery eyes at my local quilt shop, and the fabric seems to be in a smaller space. My watery eyes are my canary.