Q.
|
In the past, I’ve had rayon garments
that continue to shrink and lose their shape. What makes your rayon
different? |
A.
|
There are many types of rayon fabric on
the market. We have probably all made or bought garments of inferior
quality rayon that have been a disappointment. However, the rayon used is referred to in Indonesian as “#1AA quality”
rayon. The close weave and smooth surface help it keep its shape, avoid
shrinkage and make it superior to work with, care for and wear.
This rayon costs more than rayon from other sources, but the quality speaks
for itself.
This rayon is completely washable and easy care. And the dyes are
color-fast. Pre-washing is important in order to remove any traces of
wax residue from the fabric. There is minimal shrinkage, approximately
2" per yard or metre. For washing, we recommend Eucalan, a gentle
cleaner made with eucalyptus and lanolin which produces a wonderfully
soft result on this and other fine washables.
|
|
Q. |
Are these rayon batiks fabric colorfast? |
A.
|
Most of the fabrics are very colorfast
and we have had no reports of fading. However, a couple of them have
been over-dyed (e.g. the red and navy “lilies” and “effect”
co-ordinates) to get the desired intensity of color. We suggest you
pre-wash your fabric separately; then after sewing the garment, wash
separately again, to ensure all the excess dye from the surface is
removed. You won’t lose the intensity of the original color.
|
|
Q. |
Does your rayon fabric shrink? |
A.
|
Because the fabric has been in and out
of wet dye baths, sometimes several times, and dried in between,
shrinkage is minimal. We estimate less than 5%. However, we
do recommend pre-washing our fabric before sewing it to ensure it will
not shrink further, that all was residues are removed and the fabric is
brought back into shape after being hung on nails to dry in the sun.
|
|
Q. |
Should I pre-wash my fabric? |
A.
|
Pre-washing is
important for a few reasons: in Bali, the fabric has been put through
several dyes and stamping processes to make up the finished design.
After each dyeing, the fabric has been hung on tiny nails or staked to
the ground to dry in the sun. This distorts the selvedge resulting in
the peaks and tiny holes you may see. Washing the fabric helps bring it
back to its original shape. While rare, there may be slight traces of
wax residue or mud on your fabric; this will wash out. While shrinkage
is minimal (approximately 4-5" per yard or metre), we recommend
pre-washing. Any gentle detergent with a neutral Ph is fine.
For washing fabric, we suggest a gentle machine wash in warm
water, followed by machine drying in a warm dryer. For washing
garments, we recommend a gentle machine or hand wash, then hanging
to dry. Once dry, tossing the garment in a warm dryer softens the fibers
before ironing. Prevent shine on dark or solid fabrics by ironing from
the wrong side or with a press cloth or a Teflon "iron shoe". The iron
should be set on "wool" with some steam for best results.
|
|
Q. |
Do you have any cutting tips? |
A.
|
The right side of the
fabric will have the clearest designs and most distinct color. To
prevent rayon from slipping when cutting, we recommend frequent pinning
and ensuring the grain-line is straight. Serrated blade scissors or
rotary cutters work well.
|
|
Q. |
Do you have any sewing tips? |
A.
|
To sew rayon, use a
Sharp Microtex or a Sharp 80 needle with
good quality cotton or cotton/polyester thread and a stitch length of
2.5. On long straight seams, a narrow zigzag will prevent
puckering: try a width of .5 for best results. Serge seams or use French
seams as a finish.
Interfacing: We recommend a quality fusible knit interfacing
such as Fuse-a-Knit. We recommend using the interfacing with the
greatest stretch running on the lengthwise grain of the garment; this
permits the rayon to relax as it is meant to do. For creative closures,
try loops made with self-fabric and dramatic buttons.
|
|
Q. |
Can you make any pattern suggestions? |
A.
|
Take a look at the patterns on our web site designed
by Batik Butik and Karen Nye of CNT Pattern
Company.
These patterns which work nicely in rayon batiks, have easy to follow
directions that teach specific techniques while creating wearable art.
|