Don't we all love burlap?
But most of us would like it to be a little softer and a little less smelly!
Okay, done!
Here's how to tame burlap to be a soft neutral smelling, easy to handle fabric...
With a little washing and drying, burlap can be so much more user friendly.
I use my washer and dryer and have never had a problem. But here is a disclaimer... Burlap is fuzzy and full of fibers that will end up in your washer and dryer. If you are afraid of it damaging yours you might want to go to a commercial laundry mat.
Wash burlap in warm water using half of the laundry detergent you would normally use for a regular wash. I wash it on a regular cycle. Use a little chlorine bleach and a regular amount of fabric softener as long as you are not going to paint it.
Dry burlap on a regular setting.
I'm not gentle with burlap...I sorta beat it into submission!
I'm not gentle with burlap...I sorta beat it into submission!
I do this wash/dry process 3 times, or until I get the desired softness.
The burlap can be ironed to a nice smooth finish.
There will be tons of fuzz and fiber in you washing machine and dryer. Make sure you wipe out your washer and get all the lint out of the dryer and the lint trap after each washing and drying. I have a dryer snake and use that too, just to make sure none of the fibers get into the dryer vent.
What a difference! Isn't it so pretty?
I'm using this soft lofty burlap for an upcoming project. I'll be blogging about it very soon!
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It certainly looks good.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I never think of burlap as being anything other than stiff and itchy-scratchy! Looking forward to seeing what you do with the newer, softer burlap. :-)
ReplyDeleteI do this as well but I have never washed it 3 times. I bet that would really help with the wrinkles and smell. When it comes out of the dryer I take it outside and shake the heck out of it too! That really helps with the fuzz and lint. I never fail to learn something when I visit your blog. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYes it does make a mess. I did the wash and dry. But only one cycle! I guess that third time really is a charm. Thanks for the tips!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Yvonne, the real reason I do not use burlap had been solve; by you!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Feature:Designer Barry Dixon
Thanks for the tip Yvonne. I have washed and dries it before.. but never 3 times. I guess 3rd time is a charm after all. It does look so pretty and soft.
ReplyDeleteThis is good to know. I have been covered from head to toe in burlap fuzz, so I am going to try this for my next project! Pinned it!! Thanks Yvonne. xoxo
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! Burlap is a hot mess, but it is still awesome!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tip and the burlap looks so pretty! Thanks for sharing. Pinned :)
ReplyDelete~Katie
Great tip - does it work on ALL kinds of burlap? Even a looser, tougher jute burlap?
ReplyDeleteThere are so many kinds, some softer to the touch to even begin with, so just wondering.
Can't WAIT to see what you plan on using this for, you are so clever.
Hugs.
I would have never thought to do this, thanks for the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this 'common sense' approach...
ReplyDeleteI rarely use burlap because it's so scratchy it breaks me out in eczema instantly~!
Definitely going to give this a try... Isn't it funny how we are so busy sometimes, we neglect to use "Common Sense"? Common Sense is sure lacking at times... lol
Jen @ Lace Crazy
(=
I found out last Christmas that I'm imune to burlap smell... but the family isn't ;). So I was happy planning a burlap and lace Christmas and when I took the family to my craft room they were all "phew, what smell is this?"... no time to do what you suggest but I might give a try for next Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Teresa
Great tip, one reason I never use burlap was the horrid smell it had. I guess I didn't realize you could wash that smell away. I will have to give it another try:)
ReplyDeletesound like a great tip. I have not used burlap much because of it's stiffness and smell, so this could open my world to burlap projects
ReplyDeletesooooo helpful!!!!! Pinning
ReplyDeleteDefinitely doing this! Thanks so much!!
ReplyDeleteKelly@my soulfulhome
Thanks for sharing this with all of us. I have never tried to wash burlap and did not know that it could be made into a softer more cuddly version!
ReplyDeleteGood to know Yvonne!
xox
A
Thank you for sharing, Yvonne! I've never tried washing and drying but I think I'll give it a shot!~~Angela
ReplyDeleteWould placing it in a large pillow case before washing help with the lint and fuzz? I have been wanting to do this. Thanks for the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteI always wondered what would happen if I washed burlap...now I know...thanks for giving us these great tips Yvonne...besides really loving the fact that you can get rid of the smell, it gets "soft and lofty" too!
ReplyDeleteYvonne,
ReplyDeleteYou're correct. . .
it makes a MESS in both the washer and the dryer, dear friend!!!
Hm~m~m. . .I only washed mine once.
I'll have to try the method of three times
and see if I prefer it, mine still had a strong odor!!!
I'll be back soon to see what you've made from your burlap,
I made Christmas stars with mine!!!
Fondly,
Pat
What a great idea!!!! I love using burlap as a tablecloth, but would love it a little softer. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeletexoxo Elizabeth
Any idea about already printed on burlap? I want to get the smell out and soften a little bit. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI may have to try this! I haven't used any burlap so far just because of the smell and scratchiness of the fabric but now I may change my mind. Takes a bit of work, of course, but I'm sure it's worth every step. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Now I can proceed with my Christmas stocking project that I have been putting off! This will make a world of difference!
ReplyDeleteYour burlap looks so much softer. I might just have to try it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great idea, love how it look as well. Thanks for sharing :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat how to! I just shared a link to your post from the Rockin' B Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/RockinBAntiques. Love your blog.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned not using bleach/fabric softener if you plan to paint it, why is that??
ReplyDeleteWow Yvonne! Who knew?!
ReplyDeleteI'm too lazy to wash anything three times, much less have to clean out the washer and dryer though. Wanna come over and do it for me?
Genius Yvonne! But then, you never let us down :-) I'll be trying this out soon. Hate the smell of burlap!
ReplyDeleteDoes it shrink and do you wash three times and just dry the last time?
ReplyDeletePut it in an old pillow case before washing to eliminate the fuzz in your washer.
ReplyDeleteJust put it in an old pillow case before washing to avoid the fibers in your machine :)
ReplyDeleteBRILLIANT idea Elizabeth, thanks!
DeletePinning this - such a great tutorial! Shouldn't we all have an extra set of W/D's just for crafts?
ReplyDeleteI'm curious if it shrinks too. I have just enough burlap for my curtain panels before washing... Should I be worried about it coming out short??
ReplyDeleteIt might shrink a bit. I'd buy extra for any project. Hope this helps!
DeleteI'm thinking about reupholstering my couch with a dark brown faux leather and natural-colored burlap cushions. Do you think the triple wash/dry would make a texture appropriate for a sofa and loveseat?
ReplyDeleteI think it would look amazing!
DeleteI have tried this now twice and my burlap fell apart both times! I'm not talking about shedding! I actually lost like two inches on all side because rows of the stitches fell out. Any tips?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great idea! I think I'll try the pillowcase-thing to eliminate some of the fuzzes, though. I love burlap and have wanted to use it on table runners and pillows, but the smell and roughness was more than I could take. I'm definitely going to try this technique!
ReplyDeleteI always wondered how to make burlap behave better, thank you!
ReplyDeleteKaren
Have you ever used this type of burlap for rug hooking?
ReplyDeleteI've not used the soft burlap to rug hook... the weave might be too tight to get a wool strip through comfortably! Hope this helps!
Delete