I’ve almost finished a very labor-intensive child’s outfit … the entire time struggling to remove the crease that is on the original fabric fold. Pressing damp from the inside … from the outside … just finger pressing it when damp … nothing is removing that crease. I’ve even considered putting some trim right down the center of the front, but that looks hideous.
Would machine washing get rid of it? Does the white vinegar/water remedy actually work? Or should I simply press in more creases (!) so it looks intentional? I have extra “creased” fabric to experiment with.
Any ideas would be appreciated. I hate having to apologize for a flaw when giving a gift. Thanks.
Lynne of Long Beach, CA
Lynne of Long Beach, CA
Replies
What is the fibre content of the fabric? If it is synthetic, you may never be able to remove the crease. On the other hand, if it is a natural fibre it may come out. Yes, the vinegar and water remedy can work, but it isn't guaranteed.
Did you wash the fabric before cutting? That may provide a clue. If you did and the crease remained, it may be an indication that if might not be possible to remove it.
I've been in your situation before, with a synthetic taffeta, and it was impossible to remove....consequently, I make it a practice to try to take care of these issues prior to cutting, refolding the fabric if necessary to avoid a permanent crease in my finished garment.
When fabric sits on the bolt folded for a long time, handled, exposed to light, the crease not only gets set in, the fibers get broken, the surface gets abraded, the edge fades more because it is at the top and exposed to light while the rest is covered by adjacent bolts.
I hope you succeed in getting this crease out, but in the future please do yourself a favor and either return the fabric or buy enough to cut around the damaged area. If you have pattern pieces too big to fit on half the fabric width don't use that fabric.
Try vinegar. I don't remember if I used it full-strength or diluted. A friend who worked in the garment industry at one time told me about this. I've used it, and it works! I've used it to both set and undo creases. Worth a try.
I've used vinegar and it works well. One part vinegar to ten parts water.
Cynthia
Thanks for the proportions, Cynthia. I'm glad to hear that someone else uses this method! Kathleen
I'd try vinegar first, but if that doesn't work, you may be able to disguise the crease by running a line of topstitching down the middle of it with that closely matches the fabric. If you add parallel lines of topstitching on either side of the stitched crease, it will create a subtle detail that looks intended rather than accidental. This tone-on-tone topstitching is used on a lot of high-end garments, and often adds appeal to the design.I've found that flaws don't have to be completely concealed to become less evident; sometimes, a slight shading with thread (or even indelible marker) blurs the line enough that the observer won't notice it. The person who created it will always see it, but no one else will!
or run a pin-tuck foot down the length of the crease, then one to either side. creates a nice 'detail' on the garment. and i always - yes, always - pre-wash any fabric that will be machine washed after it's made into a garment. washes away all the sizing and brings the fibers back to true grain (or as much true grain as any synthetic has). Hint: before washing, snip across the selvage on the diagonal at each corner. Helps avoid a morass of raveling threads when you take it out of the washer.
Hi,
Didn't I just see an article in THREADS? I will try to find the issue and get back to you soon.
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