I just threw out $80 worth of fabric because I didn't wash it first

I bought this beautiful linen blend to make a summer dress, and I was so excited I just cut and sewed it right away. After the first wash, the whole thing shrank a good two inches and the fit was completely ruined. I tried to let out the seams, but there just wasn't enough material left. Now I have a pile of scraps and a hard lesson learned. Do you all pre-wash every single fabric, or just certain types?

3 comments

3 Comments

jackson.matthew1mo ago

Honestly, is pre-washing that big of a deal? I've skipped it on plenty of cotton and poly blends and been totally fine. Maybe you just got a bad batch of linen.

alex3071mo ago

Yeah but @gavin692 you're acting like we're handling nuclear waste not fabric.

gavin6921mo ago

Pre-washing is non-negotiable for me after a similar disaster. Natural fibers like cotton and linen are the worst offenders for shrinkage. I even wash stable stuff like polyester blends because colors can bleed or the hand-feel can change. That initial time investment saves so much heartache and wasted money later.