Do I need a tumble dryer to wick fleece?

[hayleyface]

I've been putting it off for a long time since I don't have a sewing machine nor a tumble dryer. I've bought some wonder web and plan on using that to make my liners, I'm just concerned about wicking the fleece.

I realise you shouldn't tumble fleece once it's made as it shrinks but do I need it to wick the fleece? Or do people just suggest this because obviously it would take a lot longer to let it dry naturally?

No tumble dryer, no sewing machine, determined to make cage liners!

 

[AbiS]

I didn't tumble mine and its fine. Fleece dries super-fast as well - it is virtually dry when if comes out of the washing machine

 

[MerryPip]

I use vet bed which is a lot thicker and don't tumble dry. It's usually pretty dry when it comes out the machine after a good spin and an hour on a radiator or the washing line finishes it off....

I would be more worried about the wonder web as you have to iron it?! Fleece is synthetic and will melt if you use a hot iron on it. I have enough fleece jumpers in holes from sparks by campfires and hard plastic bits on others from stoves etc to want to steer clear of using irons on it!

 

[hayleyface]

I would be more worried about the wonder web as you have to iron it?! Fleece is synthetic and will melt if you use a hot iron on it. I have enough fleece jumpers in holes from sparks by campfires and hard plastic bits on others from stoves etc to want to steer clear of using irons on it!

Thanks for the advice hun. I only bought wonder web because I saw it on a sew-free tutorial it seemed to work fine so I'll give it a go. I think I just need to protect the fleece with a towel and it'll be fine.

Thank you both. Bunging fleece in for wash #1 now. x

 

[Wiebke]

Softener seals fleece, so only use washing powder that is free of it and wash any fleece 2-3 times with softener-free detergent before first use. It is advisable to also wash any fleece that you want to sew with at a higher temperature before you work with it, so it won't shrink afterwards. occasionally you will have to wash your fleece at 60 C or higher to prevent a build-up of bacteria.

I don't have a tumbler; fleece dries quickly anyway!

 

[hayleyface]

Gosh I hope mine is softener free. I was so fixated on making sure it had no perfume I forgot to check. It's only Sainsburys brand though so I highly doubt it. They're in now at 60. Didn't have any room for the mattress protector though.. Thanks for the help

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

Gosh I hope mine is softener free. I was so fixated on making sure it had no perfume I forgot to check. It's only Sainsburys brand though so I highly doubt it. They're in now at 60. Didn't have any room for the mattress protector though.. Thanks for the help

You should put white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment instead, if you use any fabric softener, the wicking won't work and this ''water barrier'' will come back meaning the fleece is always wet (won't soak through). No need to tumble dry, you can follow the instructions on the fleece; and it will do the piggie job.
When I wash my fleece- I take it out the washing machine as soon as it bleeps, then it's basically dry anyway- so no need to tumble dry either!