3 Good Reasons to Wash Your Fabric Before Starting to Sew Clothes

Fabric Prep

Oct 21

True Confession: I didn’t wash my fabric when I learned to sew. Why? I didn’t think it made a difference. Starting out I never wore the clothes I made for class projects and they were never washed. After a while NOT washing fabric became a habit.

It wasn’t until my friend (who worked in the fashion biz for years) made a solid argument for pre-washing that I made it part of my fabric prep process. She made some good points, which I want to share with you. So here are three reasons to wash your fabric before you start any sewing project.

Textile Mills are Dirty

Fabric is woven on large industrial machines. The manufacturing process create fiber and mechanical dust. Mills aren’t cleaned and dirt accumulates. Most fabric is woven in developing countries where labor is cheap. Textile mills pay low wages and provide substandard working conditions. Ventilation is inadequate and work space is cramped. These conditions make accident, fire, and disease common occurrences.

It’s good practice to wash your fabric because you don’t know exactly where it came from or what it’s been exposed to.

2. Finishes Affect Fabric

Finishes are applied to fabrics after the weaving process is complete. Finishes can maximize the feel of fabric, improve performance, and enhance appearance. Sizing is one common type of finish.

Sizing forms a film around the fabric yarns to increase weight, stiffness, and shine. Starch, gelatin and glue are regularly used sizing materials. They are often applied to cotton fabrics to make them more appealing to consumers.

Sizing isn’t a permanent finish and washing will successfully remove it from your fabric. Once washed, your fabric will feel softer and lighter. Pre-washing will prepare your fabric for cutting and sewing.

3. Know Before You Sew

Certain Fibers Shrink
The last thing you want is to spend hours sewing and have your garment ruined in the wash. Some fabrics, usually made of cotton, will shrink once washed. Washing before cutting and sewing pre-shrinks fabric. That way the length and/or width of the finished garment will stay the same once washed.

Fabric Can Fade
Popular fabrics have printed designs and patterns. As a general rule, more expensive the fabrics use better quality dyes and have color safe finishes. Cheaper fabrics can fade when washed.

If you fabric fades and you still like it, go ahead and use it. If it’s not suitable, save it for another project or use it for scrap.

Washing Instructions
Every fabric is different. Some can be machine washed, some need hand washing, and others are dry clean only. Make sure to know the care your fabric requires before you buy. The instructions are listed on the top of the bolt of fabric; snap a pic with your phone to save the info for future reference. If you’re buying fabric online, check the product description and bookmark the page.

Keep in mind the type of garment your making and how often it will be worn and washed. The last thing you want is your new favorite piece of clothing to have to be dry cleaned every time you wear it!

There you have it, three good reasons to pre-wash your fabric.

Take the time to wash and dry your fabric in advance. Your efforts will be rewarded with fresh clean fabric that’s easy to cut and sew. Be free from surprises and sew with success!