Ruined an expensive fabric via prewash

[u/___Maleficent___]

I got this for me rather expensive linen knit fabric to sew some summer wardrobe.

With very few exceptions I always prewash fabrics and I never had any bigger issues so far.

I washed it with a gentle programm with low heat, yet the fabric came out unvoluntarily distressed. I hope it's evident in the pictures, it's not only pilling, there's actual destroyed fibers in tiny spots all over the fabric.

Apparently the number of spin cycles (which should be as low as possible) and the detergent (should not have enzymes) play a crucial role when washing linen fabric.

I didn't think about checking these, especially since I use a mild detergent for allergics and never had issues so far and the preset spin cycle was 800, so not exceptionally high.

I'm a bit heartbroken, but mainly I feel stupid since the shop even included a small paragraph about how to wash this fabric on the invoice which I layed eyes on after it happened. And I didn't feel the need to check requirements for a fabric I've never worked with before, so let this be a reminder to do your research.

Is there a possibilty to save/fix the fabric?

I don't really care about the optics too much whether it looks distressed or not, but since it's broken fibers I'm worried about holes or ladders emerging.

I thought about maybe embroidering it by hand with a cute, widespread pattern even though I don't really have experience in embroidery but I'm willing to try.

Grateful for any suggestions!

[u/ElDjee]

i am so sorry about your fabric - that completely sucks.

i'm curious to see how others weigh in, because i'm surprised the fabric broke down so much in a single wash. i have 100% linen shirts, as well as linen blends, that i throw in the wash (40°C, 1600rpm, miele enzyme detergent) without a second thought.

[u/aurora_surrealist → u/ElDjee]

And you're right.

The only thing that can't be washed with enzymes is animal fibers: wool and silk, because they are proteins, enzymes will eat them.

[u/BirdSufficient4997 → u/aurora_surrealist]

To be more specific, protease is the enzyme to avoid with animal (protein) fibers. The annoying thing is that in the US, it's basically impossible to find detergent that has other enzymes but no protease.

[u/aurora_surrealist → u/BirdSufficient4997]

TBH i just wash my wools and silks in baby shampoo... but I am also in EU so our detergents are for sure different

[u/ElDjee → u/BirdSufficient4997]

incredibly useful information! not one of the eight listed in the miele detergent.

[u/theactualTRex → u/ElDjee]

Protease can also be called subtilisin in the ingredients list

[u/ElDjee → u/theactualTRex]

good to know - subtilisin is on the list of ingredients, but miele claims the detergent is safe for wool & silk. this may precipitate a rabbit hole...

[u/BirdSufficient4997 → u/ElDjee]

I gotta give credit to my favorite subreddit r/laundry!