Is it just me, or is linen really hard to adjust?

[Beauchamp]

My single layer linen ring sling is so hard to adjust. Is this normal for linen? It kind of squeaks, if that makes sense, around the rings. Anyone? I was so hoping to like the linen for the summer.

[lalemma]

Hmm- Have you washed it yet? My linen RS was stiffer when I first got it, but multiple trips through the laundry later, it has a softer hand. Maybe it would help to "break up" the fibers a bit?

[Beauchamp]

I've hand washed it three or four times, then once in the washer/dryer. I have a cotton Maya, so maybe I am just comparing it to cotton and expecting that kind of softness. Maybe with a few more washes it would soften. I am at odds with my laundry soap now (Charlie's with hard water) and so I am hesitant to wash it a lot in case it fades. Charlie's has been making DH work/polo shirts get whitish. Maybe it's just me ruining the linen with Charlie's. Hmm

[Quirky]

You could always treat it like a wrap and make a nest out of it and sit on it to help break it in and soften it up. I think use rather than washing is what really helps linen break in.

[noobmom]

My linen sling was SO hard to adjust the first time I used it. Even after one wash in the machine (and line-drying) it was tons better. I've been using it about 2 weeks now and it's getting softer every day. I love it!

I use Charlie's too, but we don't have hard water. I've heard there are some special instructions for hard water that might help. Have you tried searching on the Charlie's website?

[clovergirl]

ironing will help the linen break in as well.