oldswimmer

I would love it if someone would educate me about Chintz fabric.
I have some chintz fabric on bolts that I bought at an auction. They came along with some vintage barkcloth that I really wanted.
Here are my questions or concerns.
1. I know that it is a "glazed" fabric, but does the glaze ever soften up or go away?
2. Is it something that could ever be used in a quilt, or as backing?
3. Any suggestions about what I could use it for? Totes maybe?

I have washed a piece several times, and it doesnt seem to get much softer. But I only washed it 3 times.
I am hoping someone might have experience with this fabric. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. thanks so much!
I know with all the knowledgeable people on the board, that somebody should surely be able to help me! :thumbup:

Moonpi

Glazed cotton, polished cotton, and chintz are all the same fabric. It was popular in quilts in the late 70s and early 80s. Not great for hand quilting (the tight weave gives it shine), but it wears like iron and gives a nice sheen to things. It does soften up with washing and wear. I've mixed it with regular fabric in many of my early projects.

It would be great for totes and home dec projects, too.

ann clare

I started out with chintz. Used the unglazed side. Not good for hand quilting as Moonpi said.

Pam

Looks like you have a treasure!!! If you are not into doing totes, or handbags, save it for a few years. Sometimes you just want a 1/2 day project.

amma

I did not know that these were all the same, thank you for the information ::D:D

mic-pa

Its nice fabric for covering cushions on outdoor furniture as well.

MaryStoaks

I used it once for borders on a quilt. It came out nice, I liked the sheen. It washed real good too.

oldswimmer

So they don't put anything on it that gives it that sheen? Just woven really tight? That suprises me... I always thought there was something put on top of the fabric.
Thanks moonpi!

Gal

Chintz comes under the same unbrella as 'mercerized cottons' this means that the fabric surface is treated with caustic alkali under tention during the manufacturing to give it greater strength and this finish is what gives the surface of the fabric it's lustre or sheen. This made it very durable and hard wearing and was popular for soft furnishings, curtains cushions chair coverings etc.
(J Mercer (d 1866) patentee)
My Dad was a textile dyer, I learn't a lot about fabrics from him.

Gal

Karenmay

Its lovely for curtains and cushion covers...the muted colours give a very 'country cottage' look.

Karen xx