It’s important to wash your fabric before you use it for your sewing projects. There are multiple reasons to do this, and also a few considerations you should take when you buy your fabric.
Wash your fabric to help with shrinkage
If you are sewing with cotton or other natural fabrics that are prone to shrinkage, you need to wash it before you sew. Your clothes won’t fit right after the first wash if you don’t. Make sure that you wash your fabric the same way that you will once your project is done. You should be using a dryer if you typically do.
Washing your fabric makes sure it stays clean
When fabric is being transported to the store (and your house) it can get dirty. It can be germy but also have dirt particles on it. If you wash first, it will prevent your sewing area from potentially getting dirty and spreading germs. This will also help if there happens to be a stain on the fabric.
Notes for washing your fabric
Make sure you use your dryer if you use one. This is what typically causes your fabric to shrink. If you are using a woven fabric or one that is prone to fraying, your fabric will fray in the washer. You may want to buy 1/4 yard or so extra of fabric to make sure you have enough after it’s been washed. Some people serge/overlock the fabric before they wash the fabric to prevent it from fraying before they start their project.
If you’re new to sewing, here’s my previous post
