Fabric Care:

How to Care:

The use of fabric is so variable that it's difficult to give hard fast advice on how it might behave in different situations. For example velvet can change its finished length by the fibers relaxing in certain atmosphere. The longer and heavier the fabric is the greater the finished length may alter over a period of a few weeks. Viscose and rayon may shrink or relax in different humidity. Cotton velvets may drop considerably as may looser weave fabrics. For this reason curtains should be made with a good-sized hem, loosely sewn as with side seams. Any linings should also be slip stitched. This will allow for any possible movement when the curtains are hung. Alternatively, lengths can be cut and hung over a banister where the atmospheric conditions are the same as to where the curtains are going to be hung. 

1.  Fading

• All fabrics will eventually fade but dark dye silks will fade particularly if they are in direct sunlight. 
• Avoid dark colors at very sunny windows where possible and always use a good solprufe lining to protect fabrics. 
• Keep furniture, where upholstery fabrics have been used, out of the sun. 

2. Shrinkage

• All fabrics are susceptible to shrinkage particularly natural fabrics such as cotton and linen. You should allow up to 6% shrinkage when making curtains and loose covers. 
• Fabrics may also shrink with dry cleaning. When making loose covers it is important to allow for shrinkage. Tight fitting covers look the best but be aware that, after washing, the loose covers will shrink. The initial fit should allow for up to 6% shrinkage.
• Please note that any accessories or trimmings used on cushions etc may shrink at a different rate. Also it is important to use the correct cotton for sewing as this can shrink at a different rate and spoil the look of curtains or cushions etc. 

3.  Cleaning

• Most fabric companies suggest dry cleaning and it is important to follow the recommendations for care otherwise problems cannot be put right at a later date. 
• Most loose covers are better dry cleaned as there is less room for shrinkage and they come back pressed and generally look better. 
• However, some people prefer washing cushions etc particularly where there are young families. This is possible with natural fabrics but its best to test a sample piece first to check how the fabric might react.

 Some Types of fabric and how to care:

.   Cotton 

Made from the fluffy fibers of the cotton plant, most cotton fabrics are preshrunk.

How to wash: Machine-wash in cold or warm with all-purpose detergent.
Tip                   : Sun yellows it; line-dry in shade.

 .      Synthetics

Polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic, and acetate won’t shrink and will resist water-based stains. Most produce static and may permanently wrinkle in a hot dryer, so dry on low.
How to wash: Machine-wash in warm with all-purpose detergent.
Tip                   : Use fabric softener to curb static. 

.      Wool

Woven from the undercoats of sheep, goats, and other hairy mammals, wool is ultra-durable. But it shrinks in warm water, so take precautions.
How to wash: Dry-clean or hand-wash in cold with mild detergent. Air-dry.
Tip                   : Use cedar hangers to repel moths. 

.      Silk

Made from protein fibers produced by silkworms, this durable, luxurious fabric is treated with sizing and may have dyes that bleed.
How to wash: Dry-clean or hand-wash in cold with mild detergent. Air-dry.
Tip                   : Test for colorfastness (dip a cotton swab in detergent and hold it on an inconspicuous area for two minutes to see if the color bleeds). 

.      Rayon

Created from wood pulp treated with chemicals, cool and comfortable rayon is considered a semisynthetic fabric. When laundered, it may bleed, shrink, or lose its crispness.
How to wash: Dry-clean or hand-wash in cold with mild detergent. Air-dry.
Tip                   : Iron it when slightly damp. 

.      Linen

Linen, woven from fibers of the flax plant, is sometimes treated with sizing, a finish that makes it crisp. It wrinkles very easily and requires ironing.
How to wash: Dry-clean or hand-wash in cold with mild detergent. Air-dry.
Tip                   : Or machine-wash on gentle.