SUPER STIFF FABRIC ARUGH

[sadiestitches08]

I bought some Loops and Threads 18ct Aida at Michaels (just to see if my blind self could handle the 18ct), and it's so stiff I can barely use it. I feel like I am ruining my needle forcing it through the holes, and it's taking me forever. Is there anything I can do to make it softer? I would just throw it out and forget it (trust me, I learned my "get what you pay for lesson"), but I have a good 5 long rows done AND I JUST CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!! My hand hurts

Will ironing it help soften it? Or washing it in plain water and letting it dry? HELP? ANYONE??

[Pyper]

Try washing it. I had the opposire problem - the aida was a perfect stiffness but I washed it to check if dye-fast and now its almost too floppy to work with. I don't normally use a hoop but I am seriously considering one.

[discoqueen]

I've found that just by simply handling it a lot helps.
I'm having to use a hoop for the 18 Aida I'm using since I haven't been able to find a scroll frame large enough around here; and even with rolling it on the rods that I do have to keep the excess out of the way, it's still wrinkling and such. But there's not too much stiffness anymore because of it either.

[Kareesh]

I've found that just by simply handling it a lot helps.

I used the same brand for my squares and yeah, I was annoyed by the stiffness as well, but once you handle it for awhile, it does soften up. I would perhaps try washing it and seeing if that helps.

[Eliste]

A lot of fabrics are starched or treated with sizing before being sold to the public. Washing it will almost certainly relax the fibres a bit. There should be no problem even using normal washing powder if you haven't stitched on it yet. If you have, then I suggest water with a tiny amount of dish-washing liquid. You'll want to let it soak a lot if its not going in a machine to get the sizing/starch out. I'd probably soak it for a few hours, replace the water, then soak it overnight. By the morning it should be nicely pliable, but make sure you rinse it well.

[sadiestitches08]

Thanks for all the tips, guys.

It's slowly but surely getting easier to work with, so we will see how this goes.

I loved the look of the 18 ct so much that I bought a huge roll at Hobby Lobby today while I was getting a frame and mat for my husband's grandmother's 85th birthday stitch. Better brand by far!