Essex Linen by Robert Kaufman:

[Sandramuse Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sandramuse]

Does anyone have any experience with Essex Linens, plain, dyed , metallic or otherwise? I just read a blog that recommended washing and drying it before using because they said it shrinks. Also, they think it frays and should be sewn with a double seam. I love the look but I really don't need a nightmare. Thanks.

[Grey Lady Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Grey Lady]

Re: Essex Linen by Robert Kaufman:

I used Essex linen as the background in my Fancy Forest quilt. The pattern designer, Elizabeth Hartman, recommended it. E. Hartman did a youtube interview on the fabric, saying she doesn't prewash, and believes it shrinks no more than any other cotton.

For me, it sewed up nicely, no more fraying than usual. I used a standard quarter inch seam. I love the look. I have not washed it yet, as it is hanging up in my living room. I could not be happier with it.

[Bubby Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bubby]

Re: Essex Linen by Robert Kaufman:

I used it in a baby quilt I haven't quilted yet. It is definitely thicker than ordinary quilting cotton and I had to take extra time pressing.

[Kgrammiecaz Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Kgrammiecaz]

Re: Essex Linen by Robert Kaufman:

I love it. Used it to make a bag.

[Sandramuse Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sandramuse]

Re: Essex Linen by Robert Kaufman:

I would be interested in how it goes....Thank you.

[Sandramuse Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sandramuse]

Re: Essex Linen by Robert Kaufman:

I am ready to start the Fancy Forest quilt and I have the linen purchased. I am so glad to hear that sewing was good and Elizabeth Hartman didn't prewash. I will look for her on Utube, Thank you so much.

[Grey Lady Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Grey Lady]

Re: Essex Linen by Robert Kaufman:

Here's the video of Elizabeth Hartman on FF and essex linen.

https://youtu.be/Jx_0NqFPZrw

[shirleyknot Banned Find all posts View Profile Close shirleyknot]

Re: Essex Linen by Robert Kaufman:

Unless things have changed drastically, LINEN is an entirely different fiber than COTTON.

[Claire OneStitchAtATime Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Claire OneStitchAtATime]

Re: Essex Linen by Robert Kaufman:

I haven't had problems with it, and I love the look. Yes, it frays, but not so much that it needs special treatment.

[Midge Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Midge]

Re: Essex Linen by Robert Kaufman:

Essex linen is a 65/35 linen/cotton blend. I've used it for a light jacket and did prewash it for that application because that is what I do when constructing garments. I measured a before/after piece and the shrinkage was negligible. Right now I am using it for a wall hanging, so I didn't prewash since I don't anticipate washing the item. I haven't had a fraying issue on either project. In fact, I've used cottons that have frayed horribly, and comparatively, this doesn't. I haven't used the metallic Essex, though, so can't comment on that.

[seaturtle Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close seaturtle]

Re: Essex Linen by Robert Kaufman:

I just ordered some metallic - I'll let you know how it goes. I'm planning on using it for a bag, so I won't be pre-washing it.