It is important to wash your fabric prior to sewing projects.This process will allow you to cut and sew accurately, give various fabrics a more uniform texture, and stop colors from bleeding later on.The process is similar to washing clothing as long as you use gentle wash and dry cycles.Taking the time to prewash your fabrics is an easy way to make your next project a success.
Step 1: Look for the fabric type.
Some fabrics can be prewashed at home.Cotton, nylon, polyester, acrylic, and micro-fiber are included.They should be taken to a dry cleaner for washing.
Step 2: You need to separate your fabrics by color.
The lights and darks should be washed separately.If you have several colors, divide them and do a load for each.Sort them before you start.
Step 3: Do you want to color your fabric?
If you want to know if your fabrics will run when washed, this is helpful.Take a piece of fabric and put it in a bowl of soapy water for 30 minutes.The fabric will need to be washed by itself if the water is colored after 30 minutes.A fabric fixative can be used to keep colors from running.Follow package instructions.
Step 4: Place the pieces in the bag.
Before washing strips or other cut pieces, you should put them in a lingerie bag.They will not be able to unraveling in the washer.This can be time consuming if you want to serge or zig zag stitch any cut pieces.
Step 5: The washer should be set to a cool cycle.
The delicate cycle can be used if you set your machine's temperature to "cool" or "cold".This is even better if your washer has a hand wash setting.
Step 6: The normal amount of a mild soap should be increased by one-fourth.
Mild laundry detergent or a special quilt soap can be used.Don't use a lot of detergent.It will be enough if you use one-fourth of the usual amount.
Step 7: Don't use fabric conditioner.
It is necessary to wash fabric for your projects.When you begin sewing, fabric softeners will change the texture of the cloth, making it harder to work with.
Step 8: When the load is over, shake the fabric.
Take the fabric out when the washer is done.If the fabric is still damp, shake it to remove the wrinkling.As the fabric dries, this will prevent creasing.
Step 9: The fabric should be washed.
The fabric should be placed in the dryer.If possible, use a gentle or delicate cycle.
Step 10: The fabric must be removed from the dryer.
After the dryer cycle ends, do this.Let the fabric cool.The fabric will form a crease if you leave it in the dryer after the cycle is over.If you prefer, you can take the fabric out before the dryer cycle ends and let it hang dry.
Step 11: Just before the cycle is over, take the fabric out.
This is another way to make sure the fabric doesn't crease.Take the fabric out of the dryer.To finish drying the fabric, use an iron.Since storing the fabric will cause creases, don't bother ironing it if you're not going to use it right away.