Aida question!

[monandjeff]

Im going to use 18ct aida for my next start and I did lots of serious research about this fabric. I did some tests on it including measuring the count before and after wash, and measuring the count with stitches in before and after wash. On the piece without stitches in, it measured perfectly 18ctx18ct in an 1''x1" square. But it became 18ctx19ct after I washed it with cool water and soap. On the one with stitches in, it measured 18.5ctx18.5ct in 1"x1" square after wash. My question is does the fabric shrink differently with and without stitches? It seems to me the stitches on the fabric hold the weaves in place and make them stable so that it does not shrink weirdly after wash but without the stitches the weaves tend to relax from the starch so it shrinks how ever it wants. Let's discuss.

[richardandtracy]

... But it became 18ctx19ct after I washed it with cool water and soup. ...

My suggestion is that you leave the soup out when you wash it...

To be honest, I have not the faintest idea why this is happening.
Is it really important it's an exact size after finishing? If so, my suggestion would be to stretch it after washing to get the size you want. Otherwise just love it the way it comes out.

Regards,

Richard

[Roland]

You're on a roll today Richard.

I've never measured my material. I wonder if different brands shrink differently. That might answer why there are different prices.

[fccs]

Richard, you make me laugh!!!

I can't offer much to the discussion but it is interesting. I don't wash my fabric prior to stitching, and I usually don't wash it after. When I have washed it after, I've never measured because it doesn't really matter to me as long as the stitches stayed in place.

[monandjeff]

SOAP! SOAP! SOAP!

[richardandtracy]

Richard.

[Allyn]

I've never washed fabric before I start -- well, I think I did once because it was too stiff to handle comfortably, but I never measured it before or after.

Is it possible that the stitched piece held its shape because of the re-enforcement of the stitches and the unstitched fabric could stand to be blocked after the sizing was washed out of it?