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how to tell if a fabric is wicking?
ahrizel Beginner PA Member since 4/22/12 Posts: 293	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/9/12 2:50 PM Well, my first run to Jomar's was fun. I grabbed a couple of yards of poly knit that I really think is wicking fabric. But how can I tell for sure? I've never gotten it before, so I'm not sure. But it was a great deal, so even if I'm wrong it's not a disaster. What's the test for it. I put a drop of water on one side and it pulled through to the other side in a bigger size then the original. Suggestions are appreciated. Mary
mastdenman   Intermediate CA USA Member since 1/12/04 Posts: 5840	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 9/9/12 4:03 PM Cut a four inch square of the fabric and dip it into some water to get it wet. Then put the square of fabric between your hands. If it is a technical wicking fabric, one side will feel significantly wetter than the other. The wet side is the outside and the dry side is the inside. Also if you look at the fabric under a magnifying glass a wicking fabric will have a garter stitch on the inside and a stockingette stitch on the outside. ------ Marilyn January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.
ahrizel Beginner PA Member since 4/22/12 Posts: 293	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/9/12 5:32 PM Did a check on the fabric, yeppers it's wicking. Dryer on one side, wetter on the other. And different kinds of stitching on either side. I'm happy, got it for 2.99 a yard. Going to make some bike shorts and maybe undies for our Disney trip next month. Wicking is good when it's hotter then heck. Mary
Liz in Cville   Advanced Beginner VA Member since 5/28/11 Posts: 272	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/9/12 6:26 PM PMFJI, and sorry if this is a silly question: Quote: Also if you look at the fabric under a magnifying glass a wicking fabric will have a garter stitch on the inside and a stockingette stitch on the outside. Isn't that true of all (most? lots of?) single knit fabrics? ------ Twitter: @SewKnitStash
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7401	Login to reply to this post In reply to Liz in Cville << Like this post Date: 9/9/12 7:51 PM Yeah, the term 'single knit' is generally synonymous with 'jersey knit,' which means that it's worked in stockinette stitch: One side (usually the right side) is composed of knit stitches, and the other is purl stitches. However, I've sewn with quite a few wicking fabrics, and they can have quite a few different textures. Here are some that were included in the last swatch set of wicking fabrics I got from The Rain Shed.
sew2006 Advanced ON CANADA Member since 6/24/06 Posts: 1703	Login to reply to this post In reply to ahrizel << Like this post Date: 9/9/12 9:26 PM The lady at the fabric store said not to use fabric softener---it destroyes the fabrics wicking ability. ------ Janome10001, Babylock ESG3, Brother ULT 2001, White 634D serger, Pfaff 1472, Singer featherweight, Singer 14T957Dc, Bernina FunLock 009DCC coverlock, Brother PQ1500S, Janome CP900.
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7401	Login to reply to this post In reply to sew2006 << Like this post Date: 9/9/12 9:31 PM Agreed. That is standard advice and good advice with these specialized fabrics.
SheBear0320   Advanced MB CANADA Member since 4/8/08 Posts: 2790	Login to reply to this post In reply to sew2006 << Like this post Date: 9/10/12 10:47 AM And this includes straight fabric softener like Downey or Fleecey and laundry detergents which have the fabric softener built in. Part of the reason it destroys the wicking ability is because creates an oily barrier on the fabric. Also avoid water that is too hot -- I always wash my technical fabric clothing in cold water and hang to dry only. I seldom use a dryer any more. Fabrics with spandex/lycra should not be exposed to heat. ------ Sheila "sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet" 2012/2013 Stash Busting Sew-Along: 27.25 yards sewn (as of 05/15/13) 21.75 yards purchased (as of 05/15/13)
mastdenman   Intermediate CA USA Member since 1/12/04 Posts: 5840	Login to reply to this post In reply to Liz in Cville << Like this post Date: 9/10/12 12:54 PM I'm sure it is, but somewhere there were instructions to the effect that one was supposed to check the appearance of the knit. ------ Marilyn January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.

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