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Dryclean cotton????
margaran   Member since 12/25/10 Posts: 51	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/21/12 9:36 AM Hi, I'm looking at this Italian poplin http://www.michaelsfabrics.com/store/product559.html for some summer capris- nice enough for casual Friday, durable enough for errands and throw them in the wash. I want something nicer than what's available at Jonann's. I once had several pair of WONDERFUL Talbots poplin pants that even aftewr years simply look comfortable and delightfully worn, not worn out. Too bad they no longer fit well enough to wear them. Why would one have to dry clean cotton poplin? Thanks, Maggie
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 4974	Login to reply to this post In reply to margaran << Like this post Date: 12/21/12 12:39 PM Maybe it is the mfg's way to CTA as washing could cause the color to run or fading. Or, maybe it badly wrinkles when washed. If you really like the fabric, test wash a swatch to see if it changes color or texture.
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7401	Login to reply to this post In reply to PattiAnnJ << Like this post Date: 12/21/12 3:18 PM Or maybe there's some kind of finish that makes it a tad shiny or crisp. Washing and drying a measured 8"X 8" sample, as suggested, should answer all the questions.
tlmck3 Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 7/11/05 Posts: 3612	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/21/12 3:22 PM I've bought poplin before that was nice and crisp, with a substantial hand in the store that turned into a floppy, bodiless mess after being washed in cold water. It probably wasn't good Italian cotton poplin, but it was still a big disappointment. ------ I am going for a level of perfection that is only mine... Most of the pleasure is in getting that last little piece perfect...Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just keep showing up and doing the work. Chuck Close, painter, printmaker, photographer Hope has two lovely daughters: Anger and Courage St. Augustine
Nancy K Advanced NY USA Member since 12/28/04 Posts: 7578	Login to reply to this post In reply to margaran << Like this post Date: 12/21/12 4:58 PM Cotton poplin is definitely washable, but it needs to be preshrunk first. Michael's fabrics are so much nicer than Joann's. I wouldn't machine dry it after you've sewn the pants it definitely fades fabric and reduces longevity. If you have any doubt wash and dry a sample. ------ www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
Sew4Fun Advanced AUSTRALIA Member since 6/23/04 Posts: 4837	Login to reply to this post In reply to margaran << 1 member likes this. Date: 12/21/12 5:11 PM Quote: Why would one have to dry clean cotton poplin? It's merely a way of manufacturers covering themselves. Cotton fabrics can shrink, fade and change depending on how you wash and treat them. By stating they must be dry cleaned it means consumers can't blame the manufacturer when the fabric shrinks, etc. Cotton poplin can definitely be washed in the washing machine, but you must be prepared for it to shrink and fade. By dry cleaning or hand washing in cold water and air drying in the shade, you will prolong the life of the fabric, that's all. As many of us don't have the time, money or patience we simply toss in the washing machine and sew something new when the fabric wears out. ------ Belinda. Melbourne, Australia http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
GwenH Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 8/26/09 Posts: 371	Login to reply to this post In reply to Sew4Fun << 3 members like this. Date: 12/21/12 5:20 PM "As many of us don't have the time, money or patience we simply toss in the washing machine and sew something new when the fabric wears out" Add to those reasons the chemical residue and the fact dry cleaning doesn't always seemt to result in clean. Water never looks ickier than when you finally decide to wash something that's been dry-cleaned a few times. I wash silk, wool, rayon, and cotton regularly. I do agree you are risking having something look faded sooner, but there are laundry detergents that claim to combat fading and having used some, I wouldn't dismiss the claims outright.
margaran   Member since 12/25/10 Posts: 51	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/22/12 7:38 AM Thanks to all who wrote. I always pre-wash fabric before I sew (quilting) so change in size won't be an issue and these won't be lined. The price is awesome and assuming the Italian poplin is betterquality- should be as it has a well known designers name on it- I expect it will wear wonderfully. I definitely agree that drycleaning does not really clean something. I expect and hope that the color will change as I love the worn but not worn out look of my favorite clothes. They just seem to become part of me. Just hoping it's not the green based black as opposed to a bluer based black. Thanks to all who wrote, Maggie
NonieA1   Advanced FL USA Member since 11/3/10 Posts: 71	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 12/22/12 8:24 AM My father was a dry cleaner; he said many manufacturers stated items should be dry cleaned when they could be washed carefully. Since RTW rarely are washed prior making into fabrics, shrinkage is the main reason. There are products to use in the washing machine to clean the garments without the fading or shrinkage. It take time and effort to find these products, but it is worth it. Especially on expensive cotton fabrics.

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