Fabric Care
Patterns
A Bit More Fabric Care
From A Sewer’s Handbook by Bettie G. Roth and Chris Schulz
Pre-Treat
We recommend that you pre-treat all fabrics using the same cleaning method that you plan to use for the completed garment. Even dry cleaning can produce shrinkage!
If you are uncertain about whether or not your fabric is washable or dry cleanable, test a small piece. Remember, each fabric is unique!
If your cleaning method is washing, then your zippers, trims and interfacings should also be pretreated. Non-fusible interfacings may be pretreated with the fabric. Fusible interfacings should be pretreated by soaking them in hot tap water for 20 to 30 minutes. Roll in a towel to remove excess water, then hang or lay flat to dry.
Linen
Always preshrink linen before sewing it. Typical shrinkage for linen is 6% in width and 8% in length. Preshrinking does more than shrink the fabric. It also serves to remove finishing chemicals and excess dye giving you a better idea of what your fabric will look like and how it will perform in your garment.
Tip
When preshrinking natural fiber fabrics like linen, add baking soda to the wash. About 1/3 cup per load seems to work. The baking soda helps to remove chemical residues from the surface of the fabric.
Silk
Hand washing is suitable for the following silks : Broadcloth, Charmeuse, China Silk, Crepe de Chine, Jacquards, Noil, Poplin and Shantung. Dry cleaning is the recommended cleaning method for these silks: Chiffon, Dupioni, Georgette, Satin, Suitings, and Taffeta. Dry cleaning is also recommended for silks that are dark or bright colors and any garments with covered buttons or lining.
