Finishing cotton + silk

Season 5 - Laces · 1 reply · 1627 views · 4 followers

jcolm

about 3 years ago

I wove the Bronson spot scarf for Season 5. The warp is 8/2 cotton & the weft is silk. Wondering how Jane finished hers? Handwash in hot? Machine dry? The pattern suggests a lot of shrinkage - I hope I calculated right - it’s pretty big!

Sandra Mod

about 3 years ago

You need to keep the silk in mind when you are washing it. Hand finish it in warm water and hang to dry. You can press it after to finish it. Personally, I wouldn't put a scarf woven with silk in it in either a washer or dryer.

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sfavro

about 3 years ago

Sandra - Would you give the same advice for wet finishing Bambu 7 and Bambu 12 (warp and weft).

Sandra Mod

about 3 years ago

I wash everything that is a handwoven wearable by hand. Towels, runners, serviettes (napkins), etc., that really need a good clean, get washed in the machine.

Maureen

about 3 years ago

I just finished a "cram and dent" test weave of silk and linen. I wanted the linen to bloom a bit, so I put the scarf in the washer on warm/cold and in the dryer - I think on the regular setting. It came out fine, no problem with the silk. That said, your mileage may vary as they say.

Unless something is very fragile or shrinkable, I try not to give it special treatment. Or, I watch it very carefully the first time and reduce the washing or drying times/temps and check it frequently.