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preshrink upholstery denim before upholstering? Preshrink Upholstery?
Londa Rohlfing Intermediate Member since 11/30/03 Posts: 118	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/17/06 6:04 PM Asking for a friend... Trying to get motivated to start that couch re-upholstery project! Debating whether to pre-wash the fabric....med-heavy weight denim??? Wondering whether good idea or not on this? I'm a little concerned if the seat cushions will stretch after use but it's pretty firm fabric and not much give to it, so washing would soften...make it smell better!...but will it keep it's shape as well? Thought I would scotch guard when done. Would it be wise/unwise to use iron-on interfacing on cushion fabric to help prevent stretching? Things I've been tossing around. Am sure you've had more experience, so thought I'd see what your thoughts are before I dive in!
Londa Rohlfing Intermediate Member since 11/30/03 Posts: 118	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/17/06 6:04 PM By the way - I thought no - as that would be washing out sizing that would keep it stable. OPen for opinions...
Michelle T Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 4176	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/17/06 7:39 PM Yes prewash, then the covers will be washable. Also it will remove some of the extra blue dye. You would not want to have someone sit in light slacks and have their bottom turn blue. I say a home dec program several years ago where they used unbleached twill for slip covers. They washed it ahead of time. They had to take the yardage to either a commercial laundry or a laundry with huge capacity to handle the bulk. ------ Proud parent of a Dwight International School Honour Roll Student
SewVeryTall Advanced NE USA Member since 3/2/04 Posts: 2073	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/18/06 6:16 AM Since your friend said "re-upholster", it sounds like this won't be washed in the future. Of course, if it is ever going to be laundered, it should be preshrunk. I would do a test to see if any dye will come off in use too. Like take light colored pieces of fabric [different fabric contests like cotton and polyester] and rub them vigorously over the denim to see if any color is transferred. Maybe try damp fabrics too [like if damp or sweaty clothing was worn when sitting on it]. So...if no color transfer, no laundering intended ever...I'd keep the sizing in the fabric. ------ Ardis the lefthanded daughter of a lefthanded mother
bunz Intermediate VA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 2728	Login to reply to this post In reply to Londa Rohlfing Like this post Date: 7/18/06 8:09 AM You sure can use a fusible, but don't need to if the cushions are real firm. Just make the cushion covers (I realize these are not slipcovers) real tight. Use their exact measurements -- no ease. It'll give the cover room to grow. But, if she wants absolutely no growing, I'd pre=shrink. Then, you're back the washing off the sizing issue. If this isn't upholstery fabric, then the sizing isn't going to last long on the cushions anyway. Wouldn't she rather have slipcovers? :winkgrin: Nina

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