posted on February 16, 2001 06:57:45 PM
I have some barkcloth drape panels that need to be washed. They have some quarter size holes in them, and an L shaped tear.
What is the best way to mend these so they can be washed?
Is there any type of mending cloth or tape you can just iron on to the back to prevent fraying?
posted on February 16, 2001 07:11:01 PM
Use a product called "fray check" made by Dritz and available at fabric stores in the notion section around the edges of the holes. Let it dry. Then be very careful when washing them. Since you already have holes, they are probably fagile. I'd wash them in the bathtub with Ivory detergent or woollite. Good luck!
posted on February 16, 2001 07:32:28 PM
It sounds like your barkcloth has dry rot. This is a frequent problem with some dyes and depending on what type of sun exposure they had.
You should wash in the washer and dry in the dryer to determine if what you have is even worth listing. When I buy barkcloth for resale, that is the first thing I do and advertise the results.
Yes sometimes I take a loss because it is often hard to determine if there is rot until a panel is washed. However, the customer will soon discover the problem and will be asking for a refund. It just isn't worth it to me to go thru that exercise.
If I am bidding on barkcloth, I always ask the seller if it has been tested for dry rot by washing in the machine. If it hasn't, I do not bid.
posted on February 17, 2001 01:03:42 PM
Webster's definition: *A loosely woven cotton or rayon cloth resembling linen but with a heavier fiber and used for drapes, slipcovers and bedspreads*.
Do a search for barkcloth and you'll see the drapery fabrics of our mothers, grandmothers, etc....depending on your age. As a teen of the 50's, Mother took me fabric shopping for my bedroom. I chose a barkcloth w/cream background, pink and grey boomerang designs to have made into drapes for a wall of windows and skirting for my dressing table. I thought it was *cool*! My daughter in today's lingo would say *way cool*! Our 50's den had two window walls done in barkcloth of huge banana leaves and tropical flowers. Whoaaaaaa...when I think of the things we pitched or gave away through the years as styles changed.
Barkcloth is a hot retro seller. Even with your quarter holes and rip, buyers love it for pillow making, upholstering chairs, benches, etc. Yes...*Fray Check* is a great solution for the exposed torn edges. For selling on eBay, I agree with the washer/dryer method. I would use gentle cycle. If it can't take the washer, best to know that before listing than have the buyer discover it later. Buyers of barkcloth are usually savvy and will ask if in doubt. You can see, feel and test it, they can't.
A hint in testing for dry rot when buying barkcloth or other older fabrics is to pull it on the length and width in opposite directions with your fingers to make sure it doesn't split or tear. Test on a solid area near a corner. You might test that L shaped tear a tad to see if it tears easily.
Good luck with your barkcloth. Wish I had some to sell today!
posted on February 17, 2001 06:11:27 PM
Barkcloth is doing great on ebay right now. I had a 1 1/2 yard piece, 34" wide, of a big tropical foliage print on a blue background that went for just over $50.00. But this piece had never been sewn into anything or even washed. It truly was "mint".
