We know the debate is still raging on as to whether or not you need to wash fabric before a sewing project. Many sewists swear by it while others do it when the mood strikes them. Still others are vehemently against it! Here at Seams and Scissors, we have yet to make our decision. Our quilting editor says it “depends on the project”. One of our sewing editors says it is “only for clothing”, while I am in the camp of washing fabric before a project… if I feel like it! But I digress! This Sewing Tips and Tricks Tuesday is not about that debate (though we would love to hear your opinions in the comments section). Today we are going to show you how to avoid fraying when you do decide to wash fabric. This is a surprisingly simple tip!
When washing your fabric, stitch the edges with a loose straight or zig zag stitch to avoid fraying.
Want some fabric washing tips? Check out How to Sew: Wash Fabric Before Sewing!
Not sure whether or not to wash your fabric or want to know how to prewash fabric for a project? Then I suggest you check out our extensive and this helpful tutorial. How to Sew: Wash Fabric Before Sewing is going to arm you with all the information you need!
Have a Sewing Tip or Trick You Would Like to Share?
Comment below and we might feature your trick here on Seams and Scissors! A great sewing hack can make a world of difference and there is absolutely no reason to keep them to yourself. Interested in writing a Sewing Tips and Tricks Tuesday post for us? Go ahead and email us at editor@allfreesewing.com or click here to submit your idea.
How often do you wash your fabric before starting a project?
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I always wash fabric before sewing. It removes the sizing, the dust from being crated, helps rid dark colors of excess dyes which makes for easier sewing and usable garments. It’s not fun to make something and then wash it for the first time and have the excess dye bleed. Who wants to work with fabric that has been handled by a lot of people who may not have the same health etiquette as we do. Remember, most fabric is made out of the United States and the dyes may not be as effective. Many foreign countries use vegatable dyes that easily bleed.
It all depends on your care plans. You should prewash exactly as you plan to wash. No need to pre-dry clean unless you will use new home clothes dryer products, One caveat, color bleeding. If in doubt precare with whit fabric or fabric magnet (special clothes that collect dye during washing). Remember dyeing and printing are different. Printed fabrics are less likely to run or shrink. Tip> Look at underside of fabric. If lighter, color is printed. It is sometimes coo to purposely use back of fabric as outside of projects.
I always wash before cutting.
I always prewash fabric. I don’t want to spend the time making a garment and have it SHRINK two sizes in washing.
Denim ALWAYS shrinks. WASH FIRST