I am so allergic to that stuff in fabric sizing that I get tearey eyed and cough just walking through a fabric store!
Wash it....works for me! They also say if you open it out and hang to air the stuff will dissapate.

Linda C

Thanks! I have it hanging over the railing on the patio right now, and it has been since I brought it home. It still smells, but not quite as strong. Still too much, though, so I will wash it before I make the jacket.

I thought I was the only one who had breathing problems in fabric stores! If I spend much time in there, like more than five minutes or so, I usually come out with a migraine.

ALWAYS clean fabric by the intended method before you sew it: if it's wash and wear, wash it and dry it.

That takes care of the shrinkage, and sizinfg and that annoyingly new smell.

I have to admit I've never washed fabric before making something. Most of it doesn't smell like formaldehyde, so I never even thought of it. I'm a very occasional do it yourself clothes maker, so I don't know all the tricks. ;-) Thanks!

I recently purchased 100% cotton bandanas that contain so much sizing that they are almost non-absorbant. Several washings have shown little improvement. Is there something that I can soak these in to remove the sizing?