Rather than go through the untangling again, I am ironing them dry.

place fabric in a mesh wash bag,
serge or zigzag all cut edges,
OR simply place them in a pillow case make large basting stitches(easier to remove later and throw it in the wash.

Thank you for all of the good ideas.
Now, I want to wash some more fabric and try a few of these suggestions.

When I get my new fabric I just run them thru one rinse cycle and then dry once I put an item together that will be washable I wash the whole piece already put together.I find this works best.. Wendi

Fraycheck (A fabric glue for those who don't know the brand name) the edges that are raw edges let dry and was. It may be time consuming, but it should help. I guess even elmers glue would help, if you are not using the edges when you are done or if they are in the seam itself. Just a thought, lol!

I've always heard, and do-clip the end corners about an inch diagonally on all four corners. It does seem to cut down drastically on the gnarly mess..I've always done it especially on the yardages used in quilting. On the smaller pieces, I do like adavisx3 and put them in lingerie mesh bags. Good Luck! Charlotte

If I have small items I wash them in a lingere bag and they don't get tangled. For bigger items that might ravel in the wash I made a bigger bag like the lingere bag. Usually all I am trying to do is wash the sizing out anyway unlike regular laundry so a mesh bag works great. Hope this helps.

i have different sized laundry bags to wash whatever fabric i need. when the wash cycle is finished i just take them out of the bags, put them into the dryer with the little blue dryer balls and i'm fine. just need to iron them and i'm off to the cutting table.****

I just dump them up and down in a bucket, making sure to be careful of the different colours you have. Then I may give them a quick spin to get the water out.

2 comments

by sewbadly 11 Jun 2011

Ramona also mentioned a rinse. Seems to make sense. Does that do a good job of removing the sizing? Thank you.

Anyone know why this is not a good idea?

by vickiannette 11 Jun 2011

sometimes I add a little Woolmix (which really doesn't need to be washed out like regular washing powders) to get any of the dressings or that stiffness out.

All great ideas... thank you.
No serger. But, I did recently get pinking shears... or, could stitch the edges.
I agree with sdrise, it is an experience you don't soon forget.

I have done all three mentioned, cut the edge, pink the edges and serge. I find serging is the best way. If they are small enough pieces, like fat quarters, I just rinse them individually in the sink and press them dry.

I usually serge the edge before I do this too. Did it one time without and a tangled mess occured. I Won't make that mistake again. I know how it is too. Suzanne

You have the answers I would have given and have used, so good luck on the next round.

serge or zigzag all cut edges
OR place fabric in a mesh wash bag
OR simply cut off a small piece in the corner of the cut edge---have used all three successfully

1 comment

by sewbadly 10 Jun 2011

Appreciate the suggestions. I had not anticipated this kind of mess.
This was not so bad, when I purchased by the yard. But, remanents are something else. Thank you.

The best solution I've found is to pink the raw edges with pinking shears before washing...no more raveling.

1 comment

by sewbadly 10 Jun 2011

Outstanding!!! Thank you, so much.