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Cutting prior to washing Oversized pieces allowing for shrinkage
kayakpeak   Beginner WA USA Member since 11/2/12 Posts: 14	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/10/12 8:11 PM I read somewhere, maybe on this site that it is easier to rough cut fabric prior to washing & drying which allows easier ironing and final cut to pattern piece. Seems reasonable to me if one doesn't mind a little waste. Like to hear what others think. ------ kayakpeak
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7402	Login to reply to this post In reply to kayakpeak << Like this post Date: 11/10/12 8:23 PM If the fabric is off grain or if its actual appearance has been affected by factory finish, you won't know unless you wash and dry it first. Frankly, I'd pre-wash the whole length before cutting anything, even roughly, to avoid wasted effort or disappointment.
dove29   Intermediate USA Member since 4/28/07 Posts: 992	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/10/12 8:27 PM I just wash it in one of those big washing machines at the laundromat, if it's a large piece.
B Intermediate MN USA Member since 12/5/03 Posts: 626	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/10/12 9:09 PM I just serge the two ends together before washing, and cut it off later. ------ Janome serger 634D, Brother PC6000, Singer 500A & 328K, Bernina 600, White Rotary treadle, New Homestead A VS treadle
solosmocker Advanced NY USA Member since 1/23/06 Posts: 1265	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/10/12 9:17 PM All those edges of the fabric will ravel and potentially knot together. I wouldn't do it. I don't see the advantage. Just stitch it up as B mentioned and throw it in. Also, why would you want to cut each piece twice? First would be before washing and then recutting after with the pattern. A lot more fuss than a bit of ironing which should happen anyway before cutting. -- Edited on 11/10/12 9:18 PM -- -- Edited on 11/10/12 9:19 PM -- ------ http://lasewist.blogspot.com/
kitphantom   Intermediate NM USA Member since 1/6/11 Posts: 47	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/11/12 5:03 PM The only time I have cut before washing has been with unmanageable pieces, for utilitarian projects, not clothing. As B said, sometimes I serge the 2 ends together. Otherwise, I try to have a few raw ends as possible, to reduce fraying and the need to serge. When I made cushion covers with come canvas fabric, it was a pain to cut it into pieces we figured (literally, we washed a measured piece and calculated the shrinkage) would work, but it was the only way to handle the amount we needed. We got it correct for about 80% of it, but had to piece a couple of covers - not what I'd want to do unless necessary for clothing. ------ Bernina: 910, 930, 180, 440; Bernette 004D serger Vintage/classic Singer: 201, 301, 221

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