I am doing a craft project with a new piece of cotton material 35 by 47. When buying it from the craft store and how it is put on the bolt there is a crease in it that i neet to get out. Wondering if i should wash this material and then iron or if it will shrink. Or how do I get this crease out. Thanks for any advice. The project will consist of using this whole piece to cover a cork board so if i leave the crease it will not look so good.
I ironed this piece of fabric several times before the crease did finally come out. Project turned out great. Thanks for all advise.
If you do wash it, do so on cold but also finish the edge with zigzag stitch so it doesn't unravel when washed. If you don't have a sewing machine, use a liquid stitch or fraying glue along all edges.
If it is a really stubborn crease and you don't want to wash it, get a spay bottle and fill it with water and just a little (tbs) of vinegar, spray that on the crease then iron, the vinegar helps release the crease. And no, your project won't smell like a pickle!
Since you are using it on a cork board, not for a piece of clothing, I would say it doesn't have to be washed unless you really can't get the crease out with an iron. If you do have to wash it, I agree that hanging it to dry is the best method for drying it. Then it'll iron flat for your project.
You should definitely wash it before using it. Drying it in the dryer might shrink it, but if you have enough to compensate for the shrinkage (usually less than an inch all around) go ahead and dry it that way. Otherwise, hang it to dry and then either way, iron it before you use it.
Have your tried using a steamer to get it out? If you do alot of crafts with materials, then investing in a drapery steamer is a great idea.
I have been a seamstress for many years. All washable fabrics should be washed before they are used. Yes cotton will shrink. Did you purchase enough to allow for shrinkage? If not call the fabric store and ask if you can return the fabric and purchase a new piece. Take the corkboard with you and have a store associate help you decide how much to purchase, they should all be experienced seamstresses and crafters. Most of the fabrics now only come in 45 or 60 inches wide, I don't understand the strange measurement.
As far as the crease goes, washing and drying the fabric should help to remove the crease. It will need to be ironed after going through the washer and dryer. Iron the piece open, no fold, have a spray bottle of water on the ironing board and spray the crease as you iron. If it still doesn't come out you could glue a peice of ribbon or other trim on the crease to cover it.
Just don't dry in the dryer and it will not shrink. Do you have somewhere like in the basement to hang dry it?? Try what Val said first with just the spray bottle and iron - that will probably work.
It needs to be washed anyway to prevent bleeding. Wash it in cold and iron it.
