Prewash Fabric Before Sewing? When You SHOULD and SHOULDN'T | Before and After Videos

What is prewashing fabric for sewing projects? And how do you do it? Here's all the details you need for this sometimes-important step.
Want more info? Check out our article on pre-washing fabric: easythingstosew.com/prewash-f...
#beginnersewing #sewingtips #sewinghacks #sewingtipsandtricks

[@suzannakoizumi8605]

I never skip prewashing. Never.

[@EasyThingsToSew]

I’m surprised at how many people do pre-wash! Perhaps I haven’t been doing it because I usually buy pre-loved fabric that has gone through the wash cycle already. Now I know how important it is to be doing it with fabric cut off the bolt.

[@ellenmykkanen3865]

Great instructions! I worked for two different fabric manufacturers and I will always pre-wash new fabric to get rid of the chemicals they have to put on it to manufacture, finish and transport the fabric thousands of miles in shipping containers. Think lots of pesticides!

[@EasyThingsToSew]

Oh wow, I never thought of (or heard of) using pesticides! I'd love to know more about the types of stuff they put on the fabrics....

[@barbaraprice599]

I always prewash new fabrics. I have worked for manufacturing companies so I know how they get dragged around on floors where God knows what creatures crawl on at night. It just makes me feel clearer when I'm working with the fabrics.

[@user-qp6lx8zc9j]

I always preshrink/prewash my yardage. I learned this lesson when a red and white quilt was pink after the wash. I use a teaspoon of Dawn dishwashing soap and Color Grabbers. Dawn removes the oils the fabric dyes when being made, just like on the ducks in the commercial. If making a Quilt of Valor the rules clearly state to prewash the quilt. Since I prewash before making the QOV quilt, this step is not needed. As for edges fraying, this can be the result of the fabric being cut instead of torn when purchased. The majority of the time fabric is not on grain when rolled onto the bolt resulting in a larger amount of fraying when I buy fabric from a store that cuts, I buy extra so I can tear when I get home. I have experienced up to six inches off grain.

[@EasyThingsToSew]

Great advice! Thanks! 💖

[@phyllismay4384]

Just another tip...I sub Dawn for Spray-n-wash on food/oil stains on my clothing before washing. Just put a dab on the stain, rub in and wait a couple of minutes before washing. Thanks for the tip on using Dawn with pre-washimf new fabric. I have always done this but never thought of including Dawn. Thanks.

[@maryann1187]

Always pre wash anything from a thrift store! I always zigzag the raw edges before washing to prevent thread nests.

[@EasyThingsToSew]

Definitely! I wash things from the thrift store for so many reasons, but also to get that smell out that is so common.

[@marilynnjefferson8525]

I’m about to begin making memory quilts from a late friend’s shirts. Some of the shirts were cleaned professionally. Because of possible sizing or such, all of the shirts were washed with warm water and white vinegar. Therefore all new fabrics are washed to preshrink and remove excess dyes. It’s work, but it’s better than risk problems.

[@EasyThingsToSew]

When you are making a memory quilt, you definitely don't want to risk problems! Love your idea of using white vinegar in the wash cycle for even better chemical reduction on the fabrics.

[@SingleGirlsDIY]

Love the red flannel!

[@marshiahobson3727]

Awesome thorough explanation. TFS

[@EasyThingsToSew]

Thank you!!!

[@pastda3]

As much as I hate to do it, if necessary I do prewash. I usually surge or zig-zag the edges and then iron. Not fun.

[@EasyThingsToSew]

Agreed! Takes so much time when all you want to do is start your sewing project!

[@sandralloyd5012]

This was an informative video. Thanks for sharing. Hi from Kingston, Jamaica. 🙂

[@EasyThingsToSew]

Thank you so much! Thanks for saying Hi from Jamaica!!!

[@sus8e462]

Never skip prewash on new fabric!! (Apart from wools, unless for a garment you plan to wash & dry at home, and the change in the wool from washing can be fun & changes the hand & density completely--a good thing if planned, a disaster if not expected/finished garment).😮 Same with silks!

[@EasyThingsToSew]

Agreed with the wools and silks. I think a lot of people might accidentally throw any fabric in the wash cycle not realizing that these types of fabrics can't handle a washing machine or heat!

[@sus8e462]

@@EasyThingsToSew I think a safe rule is only skip prewash if you plan to dry clean only. Apart from wool trousers & blazers I used to wear to an office, I always washed at home (cold H2O/gentle cycle/low heat more often than hand wash & hang dry). Yup, learned the hard way to prewash/preshrink!

[@TheCynedd]

I am one who almost always pre-washes my fabric. I usually use a reduced amount of detergent.

[@EasyThingsToSew]

Good idea to use a little less detergent 🫧

[@kailee5694]

I pre-wash and tumble dry if I’m making clothing however, I have found Pre-washing cotton and then using cotton thread can lead to crinkly seams. It’s as if the thread shrunk in the wash while the fabric was pre-shrunk. Now I use polyester thread for cotton clothing. I don’t pre-wash quilt fabrics if I’m using pre-cuts, but I do if I’m using yardage and any of the colors are dark. Then again I post-wash my quilts with a ton of color catchers before gifting them.

[@EasyThingsToSew]

All great ideas! The shrinking seams is something I’ve experienced, too. Smart to use polyester thread instead. Smart decision with multiple color grabbers!

[@ColdBeforeNow]

Does anyone have advice on pre-washing sweater knits? Or whether to pre-wash them at all? I am hesitant to wash the fabric because I don't have enough space to lay flat 3 yards of fabric to dry.

[@EasyThingsToSew]

I don’t have any advice on washing this much yardage. Usually it’s a smaller piece and I can block the fabric to keep its shape.

[@terrysandiego]

I would serge raw edges for sure. It only takes a minute.

[@dcwatashi]

YEP! Fabric is 💰💰💰💰

[@EasyThingsToSew]

Definitely don’t wanna waste it!

[@EasyThingsToSew]

💖

[@sharonhowell2568]

I bought a beautiful piece of purple cotton for a quilt. At the last minute I decided to wash it separately and am so glad I did. That fabric never stopped bleeding dye. I ended up tossing it out. Buyer beware.

[@EasyThingsToSew]

Yikes! Glad you listened to instinct!

[@cliftonmcnalley8469]

I've sewn for 50 years. I prewash anything that will be water laundered. I never wash rayon, silk or wool. They go to the dry cleaners to extend their life and to maintain the hand of the fabric. I've never met a person that takes off the rack "dry clean only" clothing to the cleaners before wearing. The exception to this is if I have thrifted the goods. My cleaners will clean and not press, so I can press myself and save a few dollars.

[@marlenejones6266]

I live in an apartment. No washer dryers . I can wash by hand. I only use 100% cotton. I only quilt. Wall hangings mostly. Once in a while a quilt for keeping warm for my adult daughter. I dont know if washing by hand will be considered preshrinking

[@EasyThingsToSew]

So glad that you quilt and make beautiful things! As far as pre-washing, you’re doing pretty good because you are washing in the same manner that you would wash the finished product. As long as you were using some soap or hot water in the initial wash, it will be pretty similar to if you were using a washing machine.

[@lazygardens]

Even with wool, I'll sponge and steam it. I had a silk blend fabric turn into Fortuny pleats after washing ... I don't know why, it became tightly micropleated. I'm still figuring out what to do with it.

[@EasyThingsToSew]

Yikes!!! Hopefully you’ll be able to find something awesome to make!

[@lazygardens]

@@EasyThingsToSew I'm looking at pictures of the Fortuny Delphos gown. With some vintage beads for the seams It would look good and preserve the pleats.

[@smallfootprint2961]

I wouldn't want to give a loved one a chemically infused item like clothing, or a quilt which they might cuddle with.

[@EasyThingsToSew]

Always smart to pre-wash something that might be cuddled with or worn!

[@alisonjones1142]

I never use the tumble dryer as it ruins the clothes. Hang your fabric outside in the sun shine . Better for the environment

[@EasyThingsToSew]

Have to agree, all of the drying definitely makes the clothes shrink more.

[@Teresa-L.2024]

Many HOAs (like where I live) prohibit clotheslines. I used to hang laundry anyway, but my laundry room is in the basement, so I have to lug wet washing upstairs to get outside. 🫤

[@denisedorsey2889]

Some of us aren’t fortunate enough to have outdoor space or even the weather conducive to drying fabric / clothes outside. Just my luck I’d end up with bird **** on my newly laundered fabric! 😂

[@EasyThingsToSew]

@@denisedorsey2889 LOL! Been there and done that!

[@TobyMerriken]

I always prewash any fabric the way it will be washed once it is made into something.That includes tumble drying. Fabric can shrink and dyes can run. Plus, there are chemicals and sizing to remove.

[@EasyThingsToSew]

I am learning about a lot of chemicals that are on the fabrics that I didn’t know about.