Arcrylics do fine on a gentle setting in cold water. I'll do warm if it's really wrinkled before going in. It won't actually absorb water, just holds it in the weave. I always hang dry, as even on a no-heat cycle my dryer is warm enough to pretty much remove pleats--they're still there and you can see them but they lose all their edge and crisp look. Light steam and the weight of the water pulls the mild wrinkles out as long as you pinch it at the pleat too so that stays. I've steamed my SWK's with some success, just be careful. If it gets warm and you tug too hard you can actually distort the fabric. I had to hem the inside apron on one I'm wearing right now because after doing this it poked out right between my knees. You can actually see the distortion in the tartan...glad it's not visible.
And I can tell you from experience that basting before washing is a bad idea in a washing machine. I got away with it a few times, and then a relatively new kilt turned into a yard work kilt. Some of the holes were big enough to pass a pencil through.
With wool...hand wash, hang dry, and if you're good with an iron touch up here and there and I think you will be good. Wool is easy to take care of if you know what not to do to it.
Just my two cents.
Last edited by Whidbey78; 10th May 10 at 10:30 PM.
Reason: Added "in a washing machine" for clarity
The grass is greener on the other side of the fence...and it's usually greenest right above the septic tank.
Allen
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