I serge edges of fat eighths prior to washing to prevent knots and fraying. A quilter of 45 years, I did try the Acorn Easy Press pen recently and LOVE it! I prefer piecing blocks under 6” and it helps tremendously to get accurate piecing on these tiny blocks.
Thank you! I have not been prewashing my fabrics because I love the stiffness of new fabric but I think I might start. Thanks for bringing us ideas of what's on the market. Love all your videos!
Laura, you always give us good suggestions, I often tell my friends how you showed us how to quickly wash our 5"squares by hand and spinning them in a salad spinner, probably using it more than I ever did for lettuce. I have used the Precision Piecing pen and found it wonderful. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Oh, do I ever. Also had an orange twill, double-breasted car coat with faux shearling collar. Loved it so much that I even wore it on hot days in Southern CA!!!
Let's try and avoid Amazon links..let's support our small shops. It is one thing to state the products can be found at your local shops but another thing to then back it up with Amazon links. Don't make it too easy. It shouldn't be too much for consumers to search around a bit online to avoid the Amazon sale.
Years ago, I didn’t pre-wash a red-and-cream knit fabric. You know what happened after I washed the completed garment. 😔 Ever since, my fabric goes to the serger and then into the washer before being used. Even silk fabrics are washed.
When you says "washing" is that obliged to be in machine? Me I wash by hand with the same soap that in machine, rincé and put in the dryer but as you says, not long cuz it’s more easy to iron! IAM I OK? In the old old time, when we wanted to make the starches go in the fabric, my mom make me fold the fabric and finish by rolling like a tube and wait that the product worked!
I wash and use homemade starch on my fabric. No where on line does it list ingredients in this stuff. What is it made from that is different from starch?
Very good question. I have sensitive skin and would need to know what the ingredients are before purchase. I make my own as well, so that I know what the ingredients are, and at what quantity.
Hi! Laura I has been watching you for about 6 year or 7 years. Here you are saying you like washing your fabric to get the chemicals out of the fabric, then you yet put chemicals back in and not knowing what you are putting on the fabric because it does not tell what this stuff is made out of. I watched the maker and owner of this product about a year ago here on You Tube husband and wife, they are not saying what this stuff is made of. This stuff may not be know more than commercial starch that is already on the shelfs. I would like to know what the differents? Please reply if you know.
I have to admit I not one to prewash but this does get me thinking maybe I should . Laura do you add extra to your yardage so let’s say you want a finished fat quarter after washing
There’s a recipe for Best Press online requiring only 3 oz vodka and 24 oz distilled water. Haven’t tried it yet...guess that means giving up one martini😂. ..LOL. I used sizing but is probably same as starch without the flakes while pressing. Yes, the less we shop Amazon the better, as long as it doesn’t affect small businesses trying to earn a decent living.
I love Laura, ……but I don’t have this kind of time, I’d get nothing done if I took this much care to my quilting fabrics! I buy only premium quilting fabrics, hopefully it’s enough
FYI: I used spray starch on a project (doll dress) and stored it and the leftover fabric for years in a Rubbermaid tub. Brought it out after a few years and noticed right away the doll dress fabric had faded terribly, but the unstarched fabric of the same was still new looking. Now, was it the spray starch that caused this discoloration over the years, or some other cause. I believe it was the spray starch is what I deduct it to be, and being closed up in a tub with no fresh air circulating. Anybody else had this happen and suspect as much?
Hi Buthy! The Acorn Precision Piecing Fabric Treatment is starch-free, doesn't attract bugs, and helps to add volume and prevent fraying. It really preps and improves your fabric in a way that basic starch does not. I hope this helps to clarify things a little bit!
Hi Donna! Unlike traditional starch formulas, the Acorn Precision Piecing Fabric Treatment contains zero starch and as such, doesn't attract insects. It also helps add volume and prevents your fabric from fraying, and it renews your fabric after washing so it looks fresh and beautiful. It is almost like a little spa treatment for your fabric as well as making it easier to piece precisely. I hope this helps to clarify things a bit!
Hi Scarlett! This is Alicia from N. Jefferson's. I hope your day is going well! Which area are you in? I am happy to help direct you towards a store in your area. :) If you would like to send me an email about this, please do - my email address is alicia@njeffersonltd.com. Have a lovely day!
Laura....prewash with detergent or just run the fabric through the rinse cycle? Do you prewash strips? Charm packs? Use a lingerie bag? Thanks so much, Laura!