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From: dianasiah
Date: 10-23-2006, 06:52 PM (1 of 23)
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Hi. This question has been asked and answered over and over again. But I cant find the exact information that I would like to have. And so decided to post here, to see if anybody can point me in the right direction (if it has been answered before..) or simply guide this new sewer! Hhehe... I have never prewash my fabrics before! Its only after browsing through the forum that I notice the experts all prewash their projects. And, I would like to know what materials need to be preshrunk!! I mean, yes.. Cotton for 1... And?? do I need to preshrink polyester? 100% polyester. What about other fabrics? Feel free to browse...
http://dianasiah.etsy.com http://dianasiah.blogspot.com http://sosantiquesafe.com |
User: dianasiah
Member since: 10-20-2006 Total posts: 24 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 10-23-2006, 07:41 PM (2 of 23)
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Hmm...This may be more about philosophy. Some people always prewash and some people never prewash. Just like "What machine (or car!) do you recommend?" --you'll find folks who feel very strongly about whatever they have chosen to do! I pre-treat, and here's why: Pretreating removes "sizing," the chemical treatment on all fabrics off the bolt. Pretreating lets you find out before you start about any issues with the colors running in the wash. It allows shrinkage to occur, which is better to get out of the way before sewing. I read in a post on SWN recently that linen, for example, could take as many as 3 washings to stop shrinking. I've had fabrics that twisted when I washed them, and found I was unable to achieve a straight grain for use in making a particular garment--It aggravated the store manager, but she couldn't deny it was a poor quality product and she did give me store credit for it. I was glad to have prewashed that time. I pre-treat as I plan to treat the garment once it is completed (so I didn't pre-wash my silk before making a gown last month, b/c I was planning to keep it a dry-clean only garment). That's my way. Others make the very good point that Ready to Wear clothes are not likely pretreated. Then again, some folks complain that some of their RTW clothes shrink after purchase. ^shrug^ Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: paroper
Date: 10-23-2006, 08:08 PM (3 of 23)
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I do a lot of garment sewing. If the garment is properly fitted, slight shrinkage is not really a problem. It is rare that polyester will shrink (now adays). The old poly, when it first came out would shrink like crazy and it would set stains that didn't seem to be there when it went in the washer by the time it came out of the dryer. The newer poly fabrics do not seem to do that. That being said, if I expect the garment to shrink, like in denium, I will prewash (for sure). Also, if I am mixing colors and I expect one fabric to fade on the other or I am not using fabrics with similar content, I may prewash to prevent irregular shrinkage or pucker. If the fabric is soiled I will prewash. So...the bottom line is that about 95% of my garments are not prewashed. My degree is in home ec and I have never had a home ec teacher (and I've known several) tell us to prewash. I have, however, in the case of quilts been told by a home ec teacher NOT to prewash the fabric, to buy high quality cotton which is not prone to shrink (much) and wash after the quilt is made to give it a more "home" look and rid the quilt of excess body oils and soil from handling. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: paroper
Date: 10-23-2006, 08:09 PM (4 of 23)
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Most fabrics that are off grain should be off-grain before they are washed too. We usually don't notice it until we go to use it.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: dianasiah
Date: 10-24-2006, 06:28 AM (5 of 23)
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My home economics teacher did not mention prewashing before too! Thats why its such an alien topic to me!! I did not prewash any fabrics before... Also, my experience is only with cotton.. Its said that cotton is best for sewing beginners and most suitable for babies. And, I guess.. for my previous 2dresses.. 1 of them may come out different... http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/7030/4311/400/Copy%20of%20Picture%20048.jpg1st dress I made without teacher guidance.. This dress is of a single material; cotton. I made it at sizing 12months for my 9months baby. Plenty of space for shrinking, so its not much of problem. I machine washed it several times already, still looks good. http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/7030/4311/400/Picture%20166.jpgAfter reading the forum, i was reminded that denim shrinks and its color runs!! Oh no... I just rinse it with a little soapy water. And wondering if the appliques will be stained! *fingers crossed.. What i learnt: Prewash, though not neccessary, helps to detects problems before using the materials. And will i prewash? I am thinking to start the habit of prewashing.. At least, for beginners, it minimises lots of problems!! Another question: How do you prewash?? - Machine wash them? - Hand wash them? - Add soap? Add softener? - Wash each item seperately? Feel free to browse...
http://dianasiah.etsy.com http://dianasiah.blogspot.com http://sosantiquesafe.com |
User: dianasiah
Member since: 10-20-2006 Total posts: 24 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 10-24-2006, 06:59 AM (6 of 23)
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I always prewash & dry the same way I will wash after sewing. If I think a color might run I wash seperatly. Otherwise I wash like colors & only use softener if the fabric is one that will have a lot of static ie. knits. I wash everything as soon as I get it home from the store. That way if there is a problem I can still find my receipt to return it.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 10-24-2006, 08:14 AM (7 of 23)
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I pre-treat as I plan to treat the garment once it is completed (so I didn't pre-wash my silk before making a gown last month, b/c I was planning to keep it a dry-clean only garment). That's my way. That's my way too, Andrea. Then I changed my mind and tossed a silk jacket in the wash -- delicate in cold water -- and shrunk it. I can still wear it but it's not the same. It was my favorite too. What a dummy. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: dianasiah
Date: 10-24-2006, 08:16 AM (8 of 23)
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Ok! I will go wash them NOW!! Kekke.. Thanks all!!
Feel free to browse...
http://dianasiah.etsy.com http://dianasiah.blogspot.com http://sosantiquesafe.com |
User: dianasiah
Member since: 10-20-2006 Total posts: 24 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 10-24-2006, 09:30 AM (9 of 23)
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I didn't prewash until I joined this site. Now I do it religiously and am much happier with the outcome of my sewing projects. As for home ec. teachers and prewashing. I believe all of mine required it. In high school we had the washer and dryer right there in the classroom. 
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 10-24-2006, 10:09 AM (10 of 23)
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I am a pre washer because I don't like handling the material with all the chemicals on it. I also don't like having all the chemicals going through my machine. I was taught to pre wash for shrinkage, but that was way back in the dark ages. I know that fleece doesn't shrink, but when working with it I still wash it first. You wouldn't believe the stuff they put in and on fabric to give it the stiffer feeling. This is just of course my own opinion, everyone has their way which works for them. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: my2girlies
Date: 10-24-2006, 10:39 AM (11 of 23)
| My mom always prewashed everything that was washable and I do too. For a variety of reasons - fading and shrinking primarily. But I also do not like the smell of new fabric after it has been pressed. I wash mine in the washer with my regular detergent and dry it in the dryer. So far I have never had a problem washing and drying the fabric. |
User: my2girlies
Member since: 03-25-2005 Total posts: 154 |
From: Kaitlinnegan
Date: 10-24-2006, 10:43 AM (12 of 23)
I tend to prewash because..well..I don't tend to buy expensive fabrics and am suspicious of the quality, and I would hate to have something fall apart or notice a stain/dye problem after I put a lot of work into a garment. Also, most of the fabric I've used so far as been cotton, which tends to shrink. I just bought some cotton terrycloth for a bathrobe, and you can bet I'm going to prewash that. Might help with the lint issue too. With 100% polyester, shrinkage probably isn't an issue. I did prewash some poly-spandex knit fabric I bought for $0.50/yd, just because I was suspicious the print might come out in the wash. 
http://www.sew-whats-up.com - the new home for Sew What's New
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User: Kaitlinnegan
Member since: 03-20-2006 Total posts: 222 
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From: Jeke
Date: 10-24-2006, 01:57 PM (13 of 23)
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I am like others - prewash and dry as I would the finished item. Separate colors I think might run. The exception (isn't there always at least one!!) is flannel that I use for baby blankets or rag quilts. However, I did just make a flannel blanket for my new grandson. One side shrunk a little more than the other. It wasn't a big problem but made me think about it. J Jay
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User: Jeke
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 232 |
From: dianasiah
Date: 10-24-2006, 05:38 PM (14 of 23)
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Yah! I did not think of prewashing until I came to this site too.. And my 1st prewashing is done today!! Great start to the world of prewashing!! I intend to wash more fabrics tomorrow... Anyway, I washed the fabrics in the washer on normal run with powder detergent and high spin them. After hanging them for a few hours, while still slightly damp I press them and fold them up!! The fabrics really do feel different! They feel softer and I do not have to worry about them changing their appearence later on in my projects! Thanks all!! i learnt alot today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are all wonderful!!!!!! Feel free to browse...
http://dianasiah.etsy.com http://dianasiah.blogspot.com http://sosantiquesafe.com |
User: dianasiah
Member since: 10-20-2006 Total posts: 24 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 10-24-2006, 06:43 PM (15 of 23)
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dianasiah, it has been amusing to watch your impression of the whole topic evolve as the thread grew! Good questions, and as you can see, there are a lot of ways of doing things in sewing! Another thing, related, although I have not tried it yet: Sandra Betzina did a video feature on the Threads web site about working with silk. She said she recommends, if you're planning to wash it, to pre-hand-wash it with shampoo. I remember this part, b/c she looked so proud of this bit of info: "And if you wanna lock in the color, then you pre-treat it with shampoo for _color-treated hair_." http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/tvt022.asp Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: dianasiah
Date: 10-25-2006, 06:33 AM (16 of 23)
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Hi Andrea!! Its really a great learning process! Kkkeke... Btw, If we need to use batting, do we prewash that t0o?? And, Threads is another great website! Lotsa articles!! Great video! Thanks!! Regards dianasiah 
Feel free to browse...
http://dianasiah.etsy.com http://dianasiah.blogspot.com http://sosantiquesafe.com |
User: dianasiah
Member since: 10-20-2006 Total posts: 24 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 10-25-2006, 09:30 AM (17 of 23)
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Again, with batting, some people always do, and some people never do. I never have, tho' I'm not much of a quilter. Some say the shrinkage during the first washing gives the quilt an old-timey puckered look, and they don't prewash b/c they _want_ that. Once again, I say suit yourself!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: Charlotte5
Date: 10-25-2006, 03:37 PM (18 of 23)
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Hello I appear to be a bit late with this debate but thought I would join in anyway. I was told to always prewash for shrikage allowance but I also do it to get rid of the horrible smell held within the fabric. Most of my 100% cotton fabrics I have a hoard of are bought from US eBay and they tend to have a dusty odour when I have received them. I am presently prewashing them and then restoring before usage (I was told this should be done to save time). However, I only found out last week through a website on interfacing (I'm having problems with interfacing) that that too should be prewashed (but NOT in a washing machine). With blessings Charlotte 
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User: Charlotte5
Member since: 10-14-2006 Total posts: 10 |
From: dianasiah
Date: 10-26-2006, 05:13 AM (19 of 23)
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Oh thanks Charlotte!! I was still wondering about interfacing... Feel free to browse...
http://dianasiah.etsy.com http://dianasiah.blogspot.com http://sosantiquesafe.com |
User: dianasiah
Member since: 10-20-2006 Total posts: 24 |
From: weezyrider
Date: 10-26-2006, 10:54 AM (20 of 23)
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I've seen instructions for preshrinking iron on interfacing. One said use a blast of steam (don't touch interfacing) There's another about wetting it and hanging it to dry. (no dryer)Neither one ever worked for me. Everything's gotta go in the wash. If I can't wash it regular cycle - then I won't sew with it. I have better things to do than to mess around with laundry instructions. Weezy
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User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 218 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 10-26-2006, 11:48 AM (21 of 23)
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I always just hit interfacing with steam to preshrink and it seams to work for me. But I wash with cold water and get less shrinking. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: carman
Date: 10-26-2006, 07:54 PM (22 of 23)
when washing batting NEVER LET IT AGITATE sometimes just one agitate will start to separate it, let it sit for a couple minutes and then spin and then i let mine sit for awhile and then it goes in the dryer, if it is a large piece, pulling it out of the washing machine may stretch it if it is not REALLY spun out, just ask me how i know that lol
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User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692 
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From: MissTaraTara
Date: 10-27-2006, 12:33 PM (23 of 23)
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when washing batting NEVER LET IT AGITATE Good information. I didn't know that one could prewash batting. |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
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