Fabric Prewashing Guide

Prewashing fabric before cutting prevents shrinkage and bleeding from ruining a finished project. It is a small step that saves real heartache.

Why prewash

Many fabrics, especially natural fibers, shrink on their first wash. Prewashing shrinks the fabric before you cut, so your finished item keeps its size after laundering.

How to do it

Wash and dry the fabric the same way the finished item will be cleaned. Serge or zigzag the raw edges first to stop heavy fraying in the machine, then press before cutting.

Match future care. Prewash using the exact temperature and drying the finished piece will get, so the fabric does all its shrinking up front.

See the Fabric Care Symbols and the Cotton Fabric Properties.

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