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Removing the sparklies from fabric?

16 years ago

I found some fabric that I'd really like to have for a landscape project, but it has glitter or sparkles of some kind on it. Is there any way to remove it? I'm not up to speed on this kind of thing, but years ago it seems like drycleaning would remove it. The fabric is washable quilters cotton and doesn't say not to dryclean.

Sharon C.

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Comments (5)

redpenny
16 years ago
Washing should help it really depends on the fabric manufacture the better grade fabric the less is removed!
laurainsdca
16 years ago
I don't know -- I bought some Christmas fabric with sparklies in it and they did not wash out. (In my case I didn't want them to.)

It looks like a light dusting of glitter and though it says "100% cotton" the fabric almost feels like the surface of a T-Shirt that has an iron on transfer on it. Don't know if that's what you have.

Another time, I ordered some batik fabric and it had what appeared to be black dots on it! But I wanted it so I got it anyhow. When it arrived, there were SEQUINS sewn into it! I took them out with a seam ripper and that worked but it was a real pain!
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scraphappy
16 years ago
Could you use the back of the fabric?
northbound
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks everybody for the FAST responses--

Red, I know what you mean about the cheaper fabric. I got some awhile back from Walmart that had a very heavy metallic gold crackle overprint. I washed it in the sink and most of it came out and left a kind of sludge. After about a dozen rinses the bit that was left looked really great!

Laura, I haven't bought the fabrics yet. They're online and I think the LQS has one of the pieces so I've got an idea of how much flash there is. SEQUINS! LOL!

Scraphappy, I forgot all about the back of the fabric,"the other good side"! I think I'm going to get them and see what I can use. I hadn't planned on any sparkly sky but even if I can't use the back maybe a few bits tucked in here and there might give it some punch.

Sharon C.
crafteedee
16 years ago
I think that stuff is on there perm...or atleast semi perm. Probably a glittery spray adhesive or paint...like they sell in the craft stores.

I have some glittery fabric & a few of the sparkles do come off with use (evidence on my cutting mat), but I didn't see anything coming off in the wash. Would probably be best to try & find something w/o the sparklies.

Your other option could be the dry cleaner & ask them if they have any solvents that might take it off. This starts adding to the price of your fabric though & may ruin the fabric. But I don't really know. I stay away from dry cleaners as much as possible. :) I hate the smell.

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