Burda Style For people who sew

Hi all,

I’m not one to preshrink fabric before I sew things. I haven’t found this to be much of a problem (or any problem at all). Maybe it’s to do with what I make or something.

I hear so many talk about doing it. Who does, and why do you keep doing it? Maybe I’m missing out by skipping this step.

Also, how do you preshrink iron on interfacing? I’ve never been game to put it in the washing machine, though I suppose that’s a bit dumb considering most often that’s where it will go when the garment is made.

Thanks for your input.

Linds

Sep 2, 2012, 10.16 AM by Lindsay Whitehead

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  Sep 4, 2012, 02.34 AMby harrietbazley

  I’ve never had any trouble with needing to pre-shrink fabric (though I’m usually using up offcuts, so it’s possible everything has always been pre-shrunk for me!)

  Somebody suggested once that this is an American thing – perhaps our fabric gets an additional stage of preparation before sale that theirs doesn’t get?

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    Sep 4, 2012, 08.41 AMby katexxxxxx

    This. If you use quilting cottons for garments, it’s wise to pre-shrink. Those are not usually pre-shrunk as much as standard dressmaking fabrics.

    My rule is always to pre-shrink linen and linen mixes as well, as linen can shrink quite a lot when first washed. And if you want a wool garment to bw washable, test wash a square. if that comes out OK, then wash and press the yardage before using. Don’t do this for tailored garments, though. When tailoring you use the stretch and shrink properties of the wool to help shape and fit the garment.

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  Sep 4, 2012, 10.24 AMby Lindsay Whitehead

  Great. I mainly use cottons for most garments, but shirting and such. Most other garments are more Costumes and things with a limited lifespan, so washing is not a problem.

  Thanks for the advice. So with a tailored jacket, It won’t shrink with dry cleaning?

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    Sep 6, 2012, 03.54 PMby katexxxxxx

    Nope.