ube quilting

I took on the task of making a few totes for an acquaintance. The fabric she gave me is a Waverly drapery weight, similar to denim. It is 100% cotton. The selvage says dry cleaning recommended. If I don't shrink the fabric will they have to be dry cleaned over the years as they get dirty.

Will washing ruin the fabric or am I being silly? I think I want to shrink the fabric so it will be worry free in the future.

Should I take the chance? I have washed similar stuff for my own use and it has been fine. I think I have myself worked up over a very little matter only because the project is for someone else.

Thanks for any input.
peace

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The fabric on the left is just a nice quilters cotton, the center nd right ones are my headache.
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Tothill

If it were my own fabric, I would be washing it. Since your friend bought it, I would talk to her about your concerns and let her decide how she wants to move forward.

Then you do not have to worry, the decision is out of your hands.

Feather3

I know from experience it will shrink a lot. My Waverly fabric drapes shrank a good 4 inches . Also washing took the "sheen" off the fabric.

I'd ask your friend if she will be washing or dry cleaning & take it from there.

Oh by the way you can get "dry cleaning sheets" at Wal-mart in the laundry section or at some grocery stores. You just toss your item in the dryer with one of those sheets & run it. The sheets are wet & have a nice smell to them unlike older dry cleaning fluids. They clean & freshen. I do my drapes this way now.

tessagin

I would check with the gal who gave you the fabric.

quilting cat

I would definitely wash it! Tote bags get used a lot, and I can't imagine anyone paying for dry cleaning them! Use a gentle cycle, and line dry to help preserve the sheen. Press while still slightly damp, if you can remember to keep track! I even wash tote bags made of brocade-type upholstery fabrics, and have not had any of them fall apart.

ManiacQuilter2

All I remember from working with Waverly fabrics is that the sheen does come off if washed. Ask the lady what she would like to do.

Monale

Thinking that it might very well shrink and that totes tend to get dirty if they are used, I also would wash it. However, as it isn't your fabric, I like the idea of talking to your friend about it. Maybe you could wash a small scrap of the fabric to see what happens to the sheen?

cjr

I've used that type of fabric for bags & min quilting. Prewashing is a must,also dry in hot dryer. Good luck.

jamsbuying

I agree with others...ask your friend and the decision is out of your hands.

Skhf

many of these fabrics are outdoors fabrics. Washing with detergents may take away the protective covering of the fabrics making them more subject to attracting dirt. Check with the Waverly website to get more accurate Information about the fabrics and washing instructions.