Fabric question

[swirlyarts]

I've got some sample books from posh fabric shops and I've pulled the samples of fabric out. Now some of them have been backed onto paper for durability. Most of it had come off when I pulled it off but there are still a few bits. Do you think it will come off if I soak the fabric? Most is furnishing fabric so hardwearing upholstery and some is curtain type fabric.
Thanks

[Seahorse]

I reckon its worth giving it a go.

[colourart]

Be careful of the upholstery fabrics, they should be fine if they're prints but if there heavy woven fabrics they may shrink and distort. Can you cut a bit off and try it first to see if it works.

[fragg1es]

I would suggest running an iron over them to see whether the glue loosens abit. Soaking in water may leave water marks but it could work if they are durable fabrics.

[incywincy]

Be careful of the upholstery fabrics, they should be fine if they're prints but if there heavy woven fabrics they may shrink and distort. Can you cut a bit off and try it first to see if it works.

Agree with amanda, maybe test a bit first or just press a damp sponge onto the back to see if the papaer lifts, rather than soaking them and getting it all wet.

[swirlyarts]

Thanks guys! matt has gone to get Anya from nursery so I can play for 10 mins! I'll let you know what happens

[beadsbydesign]

be a bit careful if you are going to sew them. The glue kind of stays around and then when you sew them it clogs up your needle and sewing machine.... (been there, done that and can't wear the tea shirt coz the sewing machine didn't like it!!)

[swirlyarts]

Hmmm - good point about the glue - I'll see what they come out like. I was just being greedy and wanted to use all of the fabric rather than just down the edges!!

[san]

Hi swirlyarts,
Try putting one in the freezer sometimes
glue go's brittle and you can crumble it off

All the best
Sandra

[swirlyarts]

Ah - good hint about the freezer. In the end I decided to use the middle bit of the fabric and scrap the bits at the edge - I didn't want my sewing machine to gum up! Plus when I soaked it I had to really scrape the glue and I couldn't be bothered in the end to do it for all the fabric!

[sweet18]

I think it’s much better to cut a bit just like colourart suggested so you will know what the effect right after.