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Member since 8/20/02
Posts: 27
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Posted on: 1/17/05 1:20 PM ET
I've never sewn with silk dupioni before. I know that it can be washed or dry cleaned. But that washing softens it quite a bit. If I want to keep the crisp hand, I need to dry clean. Do I need to pretreat/dryclean the fabric before sewing? Does it shrink if dry cleaned? Thanks so much.
  
Member since 8/5/02
Posts: 1187
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Posted on: 1/17/05 4:58 PM ET
I think silk dupioni will shrink from dry cleaning. Always safer to pre- treat your fabric with the method that you plan to use to care for it. Here are some tips from Denver Fabrics Silk

Cindy
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"Some people grow up in a house. I grew up at The Pond, where we swam, fished, caught tadpoles, went ice skating, played baseball, and hung out with friends. The Pond is home."
  
Member since 3/6/03
Posts: 635
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Posted on: 1/18/05 2:01 PM ET
In reply to cindyann
From Sewing Guides at Emmaonesock:
"Your choice of pretreatment will be influenced greatly by the desired finished result. Dupioni is crisp and shiny in its original state. If you wish to maintain the crispness and shine in your finished garment, dry-clean the finished piece. No pre-treatment will be necessary. However, my favorite uses for dupioni are in its prewashed state. It becomes softer, the shine is less pronounced, and the overall effect is a bit more informal. If you prefer this look, prewash your fabric in cold water with no bleach or fabric softener. I generally throw in a “dye catcher” sheet, to prevent any later possibility of colors bleeding. Hang to dry, or dry in the dryer (low heat, no dryer sheets). If you think this might be an interesting effect, test a ¼ yard piece before sewing. "
  
Member since 8/5/02
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Posted on: 1/18/05 2:54 PM ET
Hey that's interesting, Sewgirl. Two different recommendations regarding pre-treatment. You know you hate to spend the bucks on dry cleaning if you don't have to. On the other hand, I'd hate for something to shrink on me after I'd spent good time sewing it up.

I wonder what's best. I was considering using some dupioni for a dress pattern. Working through the muslin stage now.

Cindy


-- Edited on 1/18/05 3:56 PM --
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"Some people grow up in a house. I grew up at The Pond, where we swam, fished, caught tadpoles, went ice skating, played baseball, and hung out with friends. The Pond is home."
  
Member since 8/20/02
Posts: 27
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Posted on: 1/18/05 3:13 PM ET
Thanks for the replies. The reason I asked my question was because everywhere I read I got different recommendations on what to do. :)
  
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