If you are sewing curtains, well, that is a bit different than if you are sewing clothing. We all know that. I will admit, not every project requires a pre-wash but... let's think about this. You have shopped for the fabric and you are either going to do 1 of 2 things. You are going to:
A. Shove it right into your fabric stash and get to it at a later point. (Those yards will all add up looking pretty colorful when stacked).
B. Get home and start cutting your fabric right away because you want to get a project done.
BUT WAIT! You have to think about this! There are many reasons why you should be thinking about it before you rush to sew. I don't know about you all but I pay attention to the shelves! Who has been touching the bolts? Have they sat on the shelf for a period of time and have a lot of dust on them? Do they have chemicals that you can be allergic to? What are you planning to sew? I'm no expert, but here is what comes to mind.
Pre-washing fabric before sewing is a good practice for several reasons:
Shrinkage: Fabrics shrink when first washed. Ever wonder why a size Large isn't always a Large?? This is one reason! This is important when attempting to sew clothing in a particular size. Pre-washing helps you account for this shrinkage in your pattern pieces, so your final garment will fit as you expect it to.
Bleeding of Color: I am sure we have all faded clothes at some point in our lives! Some fabrics, especially those with vibrant dyes, can bleed color when washed. Pre-washing helps prevent dye transfer that might affect other fabrics or parts of your project if you're mixing it up a bit.
Residual Chemicals: Fabrics can have residual finishes, or chemicals from manufacturing that might affect how the fabric behaves. Pre-washing removes these, making the fabric softer and more pliable. You will notice the difference if you plan on wearing an item.
Texture and Hand: Washing can alter the texture or hand (feel) of the fabric, like mentioned above. Pre-washing lets you see how the fabric will feel and behave after it's been laundered, so you can adjust your sewing techniques accordingly. You will need to iron the fabric using a bit of steam to get the wrinkles out, of course, before getting its final texture.
Sewing Accuracy: Pre-washing can help to ensure that the fabric lays flat and cuts accurately, which can improve the overall quality and fit of your finished garment. Remember, one size doesn't necessarily mean it is the same size in different stores or countries. How the fabric is prepared has a lot to do with a size being accurate. If you don't pre-wash, the fabric may seem tight and tough to stretch which alters the cutting pattern. This will affect your final product.
Overall, I will say that pre-washing fabric helps ensure that your sewing project turns out as planned. I would take it even one step further and cut the fabric with a zig zag scissor to prevent fraying, before you wash the fabric. It may not matter for a throw pillow, curtains or bag for sizing but it will matter if you are wearing the fabric on your body! So tell me, do you plan on pre-washing? Let me know!
Get to sewing!
Nikki
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