Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
How do I take paper off of a cotton fabric sample?
By barbara from Moorpark, CA
I have been given tons of fabric samples too. Removing the paper backing is very easy with a hot (old) iron. Set the iron on very hot and iron on the paper backing. After one or two seconds: peal off the paper. Repeat when required.
I use benzene, pour a little benzene to soak the fabric side and after a few seconds when paper underneath is wet, peel off. Then press the wet fabric against the other fabric side to moisten and peel off that paper.
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I have been given a ton of beautiful upholstery fabric sample books, but they have paper backing around the edges of the fabric. I would like to remove the backing if possible to maximize their use (especially the 100% silks). Any ideas on how best to do it?
By the way, I plan to make bags, quilts, and dolls clothes.
Kylie from Melbourne, Australia
Beware, a lot of upholstery fabric changes character when exposed to enough water. Upholstery fabric often has heavy sizing or treatments like Scotchguard on them to give them the proper furniture, drapes, and cushions feel and help them last and stay clean. If you wash it in soap and water it will look like regular washed cotton fabric, or worse still, a crinkled jumbled mess. The dyes may run in the silks as well. Just a heads-up of what may (or may not) happen, and also should be considered when deciding to make a washable project.
By Kat
I have great success using an iron. Just enough heat to loosen the glue and it peels right off.
By Joan
