Washing before Sewing

Dear Dsmile,

If you intend to wash your garments at home, then you will need to preshrink the fabric by washing it. Not all fabrics shrink when washed, especially synthetic ones. 

Generally when we do dry cleaning they use a different kind of cleaning method that does not include water, so that the fabric does not shrink. However when dry cleaners press the garments using steam, this could cause some shrinkage on cotton materials.

Keep in mind that for synthetic fabrics the simple process of ironing will also cause some shrinkage because of the heat. 

Even if you intend to dry clean something you have sewn, it is always best to press your fabric before cutting and sewing your garment.

In mass produced garments, they usually do not preshrink fabric. 

To keep light color fabrics from staining or getting dirty during sewing, you can make sure that the table, sewing machine, scissors, the iron and any other tools that come into contact with the fabric and your hands are cleaned before hand.

For example: When I am sewing light colored fabrics, I wash all my pins with soap and water and dry them well. If I drop pins on the floor, I make sure not to use them before cleaning them. 

Washing your hands every time you come to work on your project and not using any lotions prevents the fabric from absorbing dirt as well.

Happy sewing,

Nehzat