washing shirts when they're done

[lisabelll]

I never tried the Scotchguard idea! Sounds like a good one!

I always wash the shirt and then hang it to dry before I iron on (I fear shrinkage ) then I iron on and pack. I NEVER wash before the first wear JUST IN CASE With all the work I put into these shirts they better be able to wear them at least once

 

[heartbeeps]

Ok...so what are doing wrong? We did the transfers, turned them inside out, washed them on a delicate cycle and they ALL bled terribly...to the point of not being able to wear them. And that was BEFORE we wore them.

I am nervous to try again and have an additional $100+ go down the drain!

I just bought some light HP transfers; the instructions state to leave a certain amount of "extra" around the design to prevent "bleeding." So perhaps you trimmed too closely to the design itself and it "leaked" out?! just a thought.

 

[thebeachdreamer]

Also, don't use fabric softener. Fabric softener is the number one killer of ironed-on designs.

Well that explains mine.....I am a Fabric Softener fanatic.....None of our shirts from October last year are wearable after maybe 4 or 5 washings. We still wear them around the house, but couldn't wear them out or anything!

My problem is that I can't stand the feeling of clothes (especially shirts) that have not had fabric softener added to the wash....especially all cotton.... they are just so hard feeling to me. Do you think if I used that detergent that has a "touch" of fabric softener already in it that it would help, or do I just need to deal with the stiffness?

Thanks for any input!
Sonya

 

[chrisann]

when you're washing your shirts before you iron on them, do you wash them in just reg soap or just water? Thanks!

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

when you're washing your shirts before you iron on them, do you wash them in just reg soap or just water? Thanks!

Wash them with regular soap as you would normally do wash - just no fabric softner or dryer sheets. The reason you need to wash first is to remove the sizing they put in shirts for the store. I would assume just water would not remove the sizing.

 

[thebeachdreamer]

Well that explains mine.....I am a Fabric Softener fanatic.....None of our shirts from October last year are wearable after maybe 4 or 5 washings. We still wear them around the house, but couldn't wear them out or anything!

My problem is that I can't stand the feeling of clothes (especially shirts) that have not had fabric softener added to the wash....especially all cotton.... they are just so hard feeling to me. Do you think if I used that detergent that has a "touch" of fabric softener already in it that it would help, or do I just need to deal with the stiffness?

Thanks for any input!
Sonya

I quoted myself because I wanted to add that I did wash them before doing the transfer with only detergent (like M_I_C_K_E_Y) was explaining to the other poster, I only used the fab softener once we got home from our trip and the transfers look horrible now...........has anyone ever tried the detergent that has a touch of fab softener in it?

Thanks,
Sonya

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

I quoted myself because I wanted to add that I did wash them before doing the transfer with only detergent (like M_I_C_K_E_Y) was explaining to the other poster, I only used the fab softener once we got home from our trip and the transfers look horrible now...........has anyone ever tried the detergent that has a touch of fab softener in it?
Thanks,
Sonya

AFTER doing the iron on process you can wash your shirts regularly - WITH fabric softner and/or dryer sheets.

I would have no idea why your transfers look bad. In my experience, some transfers are better than others and some are pure garbage. I just did a tshirt for my son's birthday and after one wash it looks horrible! I have others I have washed 30 times that still look fabulous. I think it depends more on the transfers sometimes.

 

[Vickis3js]

So what is the best transfer paper to use. I am so at a loss as to where to start. Too much info for my already wracked brain.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

So what is the best transfer paper to use. I am so at a loss as to where to start. Too much info for my already wracked brain.

I am still searching for the best paper.

The one I loved, I got on ebay but I ordered the same stuff for my last batch and that was the one that was horrible. So needless to say, I won't be buying from them again unless they make it right. (I sent them an email because I ordered 25 sheets of this horrible stuff)

 

[genhand]

I wash my t-shirt accordingly to what Avery said! In cold water, inside out, with a colour-safe detergent confused3 I don't think my detergent is but it biodegradable so...) and NO fabric softener! They also say to you need to take your t-shirt promptly from washer or it may bleed! And tumble dry warm!!! I did the tumble dry low and they were just fine!!!

I didn't know about the scotch guard thing... interesting

Also packerbeth, I read your TR from an other forum and may I just say that you have a very nice family. Makes me want to be adopted by you and your DH