Three Tips for Working With Vintage Linens
I know a lot of eco seamsters use organic cotton and other eco friendly materials in their sewing projects, but I still love vintage and thrifted first over brand new. I recently picked up some vintage sheets, and this gorgeous embroidered tablecloth all from the 60’s, and what I love most about them is all the potential they hold! Vintage sheets and tablecloths are great for backing quilts, but they can also be used to sew dresses, skirts, tops and more! Home decor projects like curtains and pillows would also be a great use of these vintage treasures. They are especially good for quilt backing, because the fact that they are already big enough to cover a bed means that you don’t typically have to sew more than one piece together to create the quilt back.
Here are a few tips for working with pre loved linens!
Vintage tablecloths and sheets come in all different types, and they often get a lot of wear and tear over the years. The tablecloth I bought has stains and a lot of them have holes or tears. Make sure to read the fine print or ask questions first before buying, so you know what you are going to receive. If shopping in a local thrift store, be sure to open up the linens and inspect them before buying. You can always use applique to cover stains or mend holes, so search with an open mind to see what ideas you can come up with!
Wash vintage sheets and tablecloths in a very basic detergent. I got All unscented and clear, with stain fighters. I do not hand wash anything, I always just throw vintage linens in the machine on gentle and hope for the best! Dry everything on low, or air dry if you have a clothes line. Hand embroidered pieces might need a touch of delicacy when it comes to washing. Consider what you will be making with the fabric before washing, because some items are just a pain to wash by hand.
When you are looking for vintage linens, it pays to think about it like yardage! The sixties tablecloth I purchased was about $25, but it also has hand embroidery all over the edges. I found another table cloth that was much smaller, and that seller also wanted close to twenty bucks! But when I looked at the size, it was only a little bigger than a yard of fabric. Even though a linen is old doesn’t necessarily mean it is worth a ton of money! So compare the size of the linen in question to the measurement of a yard to make sure you are getting your money’s worth.
I can’t wait to get these beautiful linens in the wash and onto my sewing table! I hope these tips help you in your own quest for eco fabric!
