I bought a hanky weight linen, and when I got it I threw it in the wash like I do any other linen, thinking it would soften up nicely. Well, I just pulled it out of the dryer and it is stiff and scratchy as all get out! Not comfortable at all!!!
So, is there any way I can get this linen to soften up? I want to make a chemise out of it, but not if it will hurt to wear it. :(
Hot water and re wash a couple of times. It needs to be beaten into submission. ;-) Also, check to make sure it really is 100% linen and not a blend.
Just keep washing & hoping!! I haven't had this issue, but I've heard of it. Linen thrives on abuse, so have at it!
I usually pre-wash all my linen at least once in hot water, tumble dry the heck out of it, maybe throw in a couple of dryer balls or other dryer-safe objects (first thing to come to mind is tennis sneakers, dunno why haha) to really beat it up. I'd also check to see if it's a blend, because I don't usually have to go to too much trouble to soften it a good deal from when it's brand new, although of course nothing beats wearing it for a full season and washing it every weekend... =)
You are discovering that not all linen is the same. Ulster linen in particular, while fine and beautiful, can be quite crisp. beating it into submission is the only way. Give it a hot wash (60 degress for coloured linen and a boil wash for white or natural), and tumble dry it as hot as you can, with a bunch of dryer balls like these:
(http://www.dryerballs.co.uk/images/where.jpg)
If you can't find any, a pair of of (CLEAN!) trainers can be used. Don't use fabric conditioners: they will only reduce the natural wicking properties of the linen.
Quote from: Kate XXXXXX on July 05, 2013, 02:34:43 AM
If you can't find any, a pair of of (CLEAN!) trainers can be used. Don't use fabric conditioners: they will only reduce the natural wicking properties of the linen.
For the Americans that don't speak British: Trainers are not kids underwear but tennis shoes. ;)
Thanks everyone! Good to know I shouldn't use a fabric softener - I will have to find some of those balls, and wash it a few more times. Does anyone have a link to a burn test for me to check the properties? I'm going to be mad if it isn't 100% like I was led to believe.
Blends are hard to figure out but here is a good chart on burn tests:
http://www.fiber-images.com/Free_Things/Reference_Charts/free_reference_charts_fiber_content_guide.html (http://www.fiber-images.com/Free_Things/Reference_Charts/free_reference_charts_fiber_content_guide.html)
Bumping this to say THANKS for making me realize I'm not crazy- I have some heavier linen that I used for my skirt that is soft and cloud like- I picked up tissue linen to make my chemise and went through almost the same amount of washes for softening (2 instead of 3) and it came out MORE scratchy than it was when I bought it. Pretty sure mine is a 60-40 cotton blend though.