Going through my materials, way deep down, I found a piece I'm itching to use immediately BUT I think it's wool and it isn't washed yet. If I weave without washing before hand am I asking for trouble or may I just end up with something interesting after washing later?
I have poly/cotton 8/4 on for warp and that always looses some length too in the first washing.
Thanks, Mary C
why don't you cut a swatch, measure it, then put it in a bath of hot, soapy water and twist it, wring it, agitate it, dry it and re-measure? that should speak volumes!
I have found that as long as I don't mix different wefts in stripes, the rug might get smaller and thicker when washed, but it stays flat and rectangular. (By "different" I mean different fiber, weave, thickness, pre-weave treatments like washing, etc.)
However, washing the fabric before you cut it into strips may soften it, and that would make the strips easier to pack in. So that is what I would recommend in general.
Bonnie.
Thank you both for replying! I did try weaving some short strips and if washing it first makes it softer and easier to pack that's what I'm going for - it's into the washing machine. That should also help get out any nasty things that I don't want to breath while ripping. Meanwhile I have some nice t shirts I can distract myself with for a day.
Thanks again, Mary C
Well, as it turns out I've decided to change the warp colors before I use the material I thought was wool. Someone suggested that I burn(with a match) a corner of the fabric. Here's a link to how the burn test works: http://www.fabrics.net/fabricsr.asp
Guess I have polyester after all...
