Prepare fabric for sewing
Have you ever had this happen? You discover a garment that fits like a dream, only to find it no longer fits after a round of washing.
This problem is easily solved when you make your own clothing.
Fabric preparation
Wash and press fabric before use to avoid shrinking your garment once it’s finished.
Caution!
When you purchase your fabric, if you are unsure of the fiber content, please ask! Before you machine wash or dry, know what kind of fabric it is and use the proper settings on your washer and dryer. Cotton, wool, silk, and synthetics all require different settings.
It’s the same for your iron. Before selecting the appropriate temperature and steam setting, it’s essential to determine the fiber content of the fabric. Different fibers like cotton, wool, silk, and synthetics have distinct heat tolerances, and choosing the wrong setting could result in damage, which means that it’s vital to match the iron’s settings to the fabric’s composition for optimal results.
Prewashing
Before you even cut out your fabric, launder it prior to the cutting and sewing stages using the same settings you’ll be using to wash your finished garment. This seemingly minor step changes everything.
Fabrics might shrink, distort, or even bleed a bit of colour when introduced to water and heat during the washing process. By prewashing, you’re nipping potential issues in the bud.
It’s like giving your future garment a sneak peek into its washing destiny, reducing the chances of post-wash shrinkage or loss of shape.
Beyond this, prewashing also serves as a cleanse, removing sizing, dirt, or any lingering chemicals that might hinder your fabric’s authentic texture and drape. This means smoother sewing ahead, ensuring pattern-cutting precision and a durable garment.
Pressing
Now, let’s talk about pressing. Don’t skip this step!
Pressing freshly laundered fabric before use will make garment construction far easier. Imagine trying to cut or sew together wrinkled fabric! It’s a disaster in the making.
Pressing with a steam iron smooths wrinkles, sets seams in place, and defines crisp edges.
Throughout the stages of the sewing process, you will continue to press according to pattern instructions.
- Align seams
- Open up seams
- Sculpt darts and pleats
Pressing creates immaculate seams and polished details. It allows fabrics to drape gracefully, enhancing fit and elevating the overall aesthetic of the finished piece.
Wash and press fabric before you cut to turn your garment sewing from ordinary to extraordinary, ensuring your creations fit perfectly and look great.
Clean your iron
Gunk can build up on the surface and in the steam holes in your iron. You can get rid of adhesives and mineral deposits without using chemical cleaners. Here’s how to clean your iron without using harmful chemicals.
Pressing tools for sewing
ABQ carries a variety of pressing tools for sewing. Drop by ABQ Sewing Studio or shop our online store.
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