PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,270 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,270 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
Member since 2/17/03
Posts: 1709
Send Message
Posted on: 8/2/07 8:26 PM ET
I am thinking of embroidering some Christmas Coasters. I purchased some white craft felt today. The label indicated it was machine washable. I know I should pre-wash anything but I'm curious if anyone else has worked with this? Anyone???
------
What is Maxine saying??
"I don't iron. If I'm not wrinkle-free why should my clothes be."
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 2728
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 8/2/07 10:39 PM ET
In reply to Mary Stiefer
Mary, if it's craft felt, it's very likely acrylic or poly and not wool. Why not wash a bit and see? Can you spare a small piece?

Nina
  
Member since 2/17/03
Posts: 1709
Send Message
Posted on: 8/2/07 10:43 PM ET
In reply to bunz
Thanks, I think that's what I'm going to do.
------
What is Maxine saying??
"I don't iron. If I'm not wrinkle-free why should my clothes be."
  
Member since 7/11/05
Posts: 3783
Send Message
Posted on: 8/3/07 1:15 AM ET
Basically "craft felt" is an exceptionally dense, filament dyed, spun polyester--something like a glorified, beefier/spongier interfacing. It doesn't shrink or fade, but the edges sometimes distort/stretch.

Some of the "fancier" felts Joann's was selling last year by the yard (heathered colors, embossed designs at the edges) were more like some hybrid of fleece and interfacing--softer & loftier than the usual craft felt, more subtle color effect, but also more prone to stretching and pilling.

It dries really, really fast once you blot/wring/spin most of the water out of it. I don't think the fibers CAN be penetrated by H20 (or grime, for that matter) -water/dirt, etc... essentailly get trapped between the impervious filaments and rinse or sheet off pretty easily without damaging them.
------
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
  
Member since 2/17/03
Posts: 1709
Send Message
Posted on: 8/3/07 1:32 AM ET
In reply to tlmck3
So, it kind of sounds like I really shouldn't have to pre-wash something like this. And, it sounds appropriate for coasters - doesn't it??? or does it????
------
What is Maxine saying??
"I don't iron. If I'm not wrinkle-free why should my clothes be."
  
Member since 3/2/04
Posts: 2073
Send Message
Posted on: 8/3/07 9:00 AM ET
I think this really is one of those rare exceptions to the rule of 'preshrink everything'. Even if it did draw up a tiny bit later when you launder the coasters, it's still going to "fit", hehe.

One thing I wanted to add...I wonder if a dense embroidery design could actually perforate the felt too much? Like so much, that it could just tear apart at the edge of the design. If your embroidery design is fairly dense, you might want to try one out first, and check it. I think you can always lessen the density of the stitching...or if the test proves really bad, switch designs. Just a thought.

Good luck :)
------
Ardis

the lefthanded daughter of a lefthanded mother
  
Member since 2/17/03
Posts: 1709
Send Message
Posted on: 8/3/07 10:40 AM ET
Thanks for all the info. I'm waiting for some things to come in the mail and then I will make one coaster as a test run. When completed, I'll post here.
------
What is Maxine saying??
"I don't iron. If I'm not wrinkle-free why should my clothes be."
  
Member since 7/11/05
Posts: 3783
Send Message
Posted on: 8/3/07 2:27 PM ET
In reply to Mary Stiefer
I probably wouldn't bother preshrinking it.

I agree with SewVeryTall about doing a check to see if your chosen embroidery design might perforate the cloth too much.

It should be good for coasters- although it does tend to be a little slippery on very smooth surfaces. It's used a lot as a protective covering for the bottom of tabletop items that might otherwise mar furniture finishes.
------
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
  
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Discovery Fabrics
High Performance Fabrics
Specials!
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Elliott Berman Textiles
High-end Fashion Fabrics
Specials!