Six Tips for Prewashing Fabric

In today's video, we chat about prewashing your fabric, why you should do it and my favorite tips for a prewashing routine that will have your fabric stash ready to sew at all times. I also share my favorite methods for preventing fabric from fraying in the wash and how to decide on a washing method.

Eight Tips for Prewashing Fabric

1. Wash according to fiber content rather than fabric type

Different fibers react differently to different washing methods. The most important factor is what kind of fibers your fabric is made from (cotton, linen, rayon, silk, wool, etc.). Second is the fabric type (woven, knit, challis, corduroy, denim, etc).

For more info on selecting a fabric washing method, I recommend reading this blog post by Oliver&S and this blog post by Colette.

2. Pre-wash using the same method you will use to wash the garment

Whatever method you use to prewash your fabric, make sure it’s the same you’ll want to use when you wash the garment.

3. Finish the raw edge of your fabric before washing

If you are machine washing your fabric, it’s important to finish the raw edge or else you’ll end up with a big jumble of tangled threads. Prevent the hassle of untangling the threads, and finish that edge first. I like to use a very long zig-zag stitch because it’s quick, it works and it’s easy to remove.

4. If you’re unsure of the best method, pre-wash a swatch and test it out

I don’t test a swatch every time I wash fabric. I only do it when it’s a fabric type that’s really new to me or I’m otherwise unsure how the fabric will react to a particular method. Often, you can diverge from manufacturers’s recommended washing techniques but it’s important to test it first.

5. Pre-wash before you store your fabric

This is my number one tip for making sure my stash is always ready to sew. I always try to wash my fabric as soon as I bring it home, and definitely wash it before I store it away with my other fabrics that have already been washed.

6. Make a record of how you pre-washed your fabric

If you have a method of tracking your fabric stash, you are a Stash Rockstar! I have not mastered this. Yet. But when I do, I will make sure to note how I have prewashed the fabric. Fabrics often live in my stash for years, and I often forget how I initially treated them.

7. Beware of colors bleeding

Many fabrics bleed a lot of dye, even after a few washings. So, just like with regular laundry, you’ll want to separate your dark and light colored fabrics. You can test if a fabric is going to release dye by washing a swatch in the sink. If the water changes color, then you’ll want to proceed with caution. You can wash the fabric by itself, or add a color catcher to the load if using a washing machine. I’ve used this brand with success.

8. Consider hand washing

I know a lot of people are loathe to hand wash but I’m a big fan of it. The main reason is, hand washing is gentler on your fabric and your garments will last a lot longer. I know hand washing and hanging to dry takes space and time (especially if you’re in a humid climate) but it’s generally more environmentally friendly because you save energy and the clothing will last longer. You can also look at it as an act of love, caring for your handmade garments by hand washing them.

I especially recommend hand washing for delicate fabrics like silk, rayon or thin knits. With knit fabric, hand washing will also prevent pilling because there’s less agitation.

That said, you may want to pre-wash using a “harsher” method like machine washing in warm water with a tumble dry to ensure that the fabric is truly pre-shrunk before cutting out your garment. After the garment is made you can then switch to hand washing and not have to worry if it occasionally ends up in the washing machine.

I hope that you found these tips helpful. If you haven’t already, I’d be forever grateful if you follow me on YouTube. I post a new video about once a week so there’s lots of fresh, new sewing content to watch!

Tips for How to Use a Twin Needle - VIDEO TUTORIAL

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One of the best ways to finish off your knit projects is to use a twin needle to stitch the hem. The great thing about a twin needle is that it can be used on any conventional sewing machine (as long as the needle plate can accommodate the width of the two needles) but sometimes it can be challenging to use.

In today’s video, I’ll give you some tips that you can use to trouble shoot your twin needle stitching.

1) Use wooly nylon thread

2) Use wash away adhesive sewing tape

3) Adjust the bobbin tension (I’m a little reluctant to recommend this and have never actually done it so PROCEED WITH CAUTION. I suspect it could work because a lot of the issues around twin needles is that the bobbin thread is too tight. But, it could be challenging to change the tension back. So, research it. On my Brother CS6000i, the only way to get it to work with elastic thread in the bobbin is to adjust the bobbin tension and it was recommended to buy a second bobbin case expressly for that purpose.)

4) If your machine has it, use the twin needle setting. (I’m using a Janome Memory Craft in this example and it makes a noticeable difference when I use the twin needle setting.)

5) Thread the machine according to your machine’s manual. (And thread each thread separately, not both at the same time.)

6) If you’re still having problems, do a google search for your specific machine. Other people might have posted about it.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this video. I have a whole series of YouTube videos planned focused on tips and tutorials for sewing with knits. In case you missed it, make sure to check out last week’s video “How to Adjust Serger Tension". And if you haven’t done so already, I’d be so grateful if you subscribe to my channel on YouTube.