Yes, I second or third some others' suggestion for using stockinette, which is a knitted cotton fabric. It is stretchy because it's knitted. In museum practice, a plastic hanger is basically wrapped with layers of polyfelt or polybatting (free of bonding agents) to pad it out, then covered with stockinette tubing. This really minimizes stitching as well--you basically stitch the ends of the sausage closed with minimal other stitching as necessary. This is it in a nutshell and would be preferable over any corduroy or denim fabric covering as well as any spandex.
From: Carrlee, Scott A (EED) <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] elastic fabric
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Wednesday, August 10, 2011, 7:24 PM
What about the use of stockinet (used in the medical field) for this purpose? I know it is springy but I thought that came from the way it is woven.
Scott Carrlee
Curator of Museum Services
Alaska State Museums
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Margaret Geiss-Mooney
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 10:50 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] elastic fabric
Good afternoon, MuseumLers – If the fabrics (elastic denim or corduroy) are relatively new (last 20 years or so), the fabric is probably made from a blend of cotton, polyester and spandex fibres. Unfortunately, the spandex fibre does not have good archival ageing characteristics (it’s based on polyurethane and has to have a variety of stabilizers, like antioxidants, and finishing agents added to it during the manufacturing process). It would NOT be a viable alternative to 100% cotton muslin. Perhaps a call to a local hotel or commercial laundry will yield a donation of enough 100% cotton sheets that can’t be used any more due to tears?
Please feel free to contact me off-line if you need further clarification or have additional questions.
Regards,
Meg
. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___________
Margaret E. Geiss-Mooney
Textile/Costume Conservator &
Collections Management Consultant
Professional Associate - AIC
707-763-8694
[log in to unmask]
..intern working on re-housing theatre costumes by making padded hangers and muslin coverings for each costume. Unfortunately, the muslin ran out, but we discovered a wealth of gray, elastic denim, or corduroy. We don’t have the means to test to determine if this fabric will deteriorate over time, so my question is there a resource or anyone who has experience with various fabrics to determine if this is a viable alternative to the muslin?
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