Fabric Crocking...

14 years ago

Ok, I'm a novice here and I really hope someone can give me some advice.

I am interested in purchasing some fabric for a small upholstery job. The fabric I'm looking at is called Porch Paisley Chambray from Waverly.

I have found it in stock locally at a Joann's store and available for special order from Hancocks. At the end of the bolt there's a label that says fabric can crock.

I looked that up and learned that means the colors can transfer to other things - correct? I'm concerned about that since it will be a cushion that will have people sitting on it. That is an issue for me.

Joann's has two versions of this fabric listed online. Once is regularly $39.99 (just like in the store) and one is regularly $49.99. I can't tell what the difference is between these two fabrics except that the more expensive version does not indicate on their website that it will crock.

The MSRP on my Hancocks swatch is $43.99. It says nothing about crocking on the small tag. None of the SKU numbers seem to be the same either.

Could there be two or more different versions of this fabric at different quality levels? If there's no way to avoid getting a fabric that will crock, is there anything I can do to prevent it or minimize it? Scotch guard perhaps?

I'd appreciate any advice!

Here is a link that might be useful: Here's the two listed on the Joanns site

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

jomuir
14 years ago
Your info is correct, crocking is when dye rubs off onto other fabric. Usually the fabric will bleed when laundered. I made a red top from a cute red knit and it bled all over the other laundry and crocked onto my bra and slacks. It continued crocking for a long time, even after numerous washes. I'd worry about it rubbing off on peoples clothes.
Also, yes fabric can come in different grades. Same pattern, same fiber content, just different quality. Like baking with oleo vs real butter. Does the Joann website have the same item #/sku for the 2 fabrics?
I used to work at Hancocks and they were proactive about issues that can be liabilities (as well as they really didn't want customers wasting time on projects that end up ruined). If someone reported crocking they tested numerous swatches and let stores know to pull those fabrics. Luckily it didn't happen often.

As far as preventing it, you could buy a 1/4 yd piece and try scotchguard, try washing, etc. Some use synthrapol to set dyes, but not sure you want to wet/launder home dec fabric.

Lastly, keep in mind the crocking may have been a bad run of the fabric, perhaps just one batch was like that. You'll have to inspect very carefully before buying and again at home before you cut into it. Good luck with your project!

Here is a link that might be useful: synthrapol info
nanny98
14 years ago
Interesting information. After working many years in fabrics, that is something I had not heard of. Thanks for that info!
Related Professionals
Hopkinsville Furniture & Accessories · Louisville Furniture & Accessories · Longview Furniture & Accessories · Petersburg Furniture & Accessories · Athens Interior Designers & Decorators · Frisco Interior Designers & Decorators · South Bend Interior Designers & Decorators · Lincoln Interior Designers & Decorators · Ashland Furniture & Accessories · Joplin Furniture & Accessories · Chattanooga Furniture & Accessories · Fort Worth Furniture & Accessories · Buffalo Furniture & Accessories · Altoona Furniture & Accessories · Los Angeles Furniture & Accessories
ayerg73
Original Author
14 years ago
jomuir -

Thanks so much for the info.

I contacted JoAnns and here's their reply...

"These are both the same fabric. The only difference is one is sent directly from the manufacturer's warehouse, and the other is from a small amount of stock that we have in our warehouse. The price is the only difference between these two items."

Not encouraging!

I have the sample from Hancock and have tried to see if color will rub off on white fabric. Nothing so far - although I haven't tried wet because it's dry clean and I don't want to ruin the sample.

I guess I'll have to decide if the fabric I love is worth taking a chance.

Thanks again!