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Forgot to wash fabric. I pinned and cut so far... Should I bother washing at this point?
Theresse Beginner Member since 4/29/09 Posts: 60	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/26/13 4:25 AM It's cotton - somewhat heavy but not super heavy - for a '30's style apron. Would the fraying from washing be deeper than the seam allowance, do you think? What do you recommend I do at this point? I've cut the main body of the apron out but not yet the straps, ties or pocket. Oh - one other thing: I'm a little annoyed with this pattern, being a beginner, because no only does it have writing on both sides so therefor require tracing paper, but it doesn't give the layout of where the pieces should go once placed on the fabric. I do see the arrows to go with the grain (and yes I know they're parallel to the selvage - whew! I know something it appears!) and it shows where the fold goes, so it may be that it's intuitive enough not to need a layout. Is that what that means do you think? I mean, when they don't give you a layout (or whatever it's called), is that cause it's not important enough to need to? Also, it doesn't say whether the fabric should be placed down right side up or wrong side down - presumably because it doesn't give any instructions re. the layout in the first place. Is it automatically going to come out correctly if I follow what they DO say about the grain line then? It does mention putting right sides together or wrong sides together (can't remember which right now) or something like that, re. the straps (that go around the neck). They say to put the body on the fold but then they don't specify doing so with the two straps that need to be cut out, which are identical in shape. So I'm wondering it I can just cut them on the fold too, so so speak - not right on the fold due to their funky shape, but I mean to cut out two pieces of fabric pinned under one pattern piece to get an exact duplicate/copy and to save time. If that makes sense! It's this pattern, and the apron on the far right of the picture: http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Made-Designs-Patterns-Retro-Aprons/dp/B002GJM50Q/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1359193176&sr=8-15&keywords=sewing+pattern+vintage+aprons Thank you so much! -- Edited on 1/26/13 4:43 AM --
KathySews   Advanced Beginner MI USA Member since 10/1/06 Posts: 2892	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 1/26/13 4:29 AM I suggest you cut a measured square, 6" or 8" and wash/dry that to see how it shrinks. Since this is an apron, I would not wash it. There are great debates of whether to prewash or not. And, yes, we have all done this.
Theresse Beginner Member since 4/29/09 Posts: 60	Login to reply to this post In reply to KathySews << Like this post Date: 1/26/13 4:45 AM Quote: KathySews I suggest you cut a measured square, 6" or 8" and wash/dry that to see how it shrinks. Since this is an apron, I would not wash it. There are great debates of whether to prewash or not. And, yes, we have all done this. Thanks Kathy - I was leaning toward not washing just cause like you said it's an apron, but then I read somewhere that the thread not shrinking can be the issue (it'll pucker). I like the idea of testing a piece out though! Thank you.
Clareew   Intermediate UNITED KINGDOM Member since 5/10/06 Posts: 920	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/26/13 10:33 AM I have made a couple of the 'More Retro Aprons' and they have come out very well. For the straps, yes you can fold your fabric and then cut out two pieces at the same time, this makes them match exactly. You can do this to any pieces you need two of. Keep us posted with your progress, do ask if you have any more questions. ------ Clare Blog: http://art-by-clare.blogspot.co.uk/ Machines: Juki F600, Juki 654 serger, Bernina 550 for art work, Janome Coverpro 1000cp barely used A Singer Featherweight Centennial and an old Necci in the loft waiting for TLC http://art-by-clare.blogspot.co.uk/
SandiMacD   Intermediate FL USA Member since 2/8/09 Posts: 1041	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/27/13 3:15 AM You are a very sensible sounding beginner- good intuition. No need to prewash- all the pieces from the same cotton will shrink the same so it shouldnt pucker- just shrink an inch or so overall. I always ignore pattern layouts and cut my straps together as others have suggested. Folks don't do this anymore, but in the old days we always cut our strings/straps on the selvage to save sewing time. The cut edge goes under, the selvadge on top and sew down center. But I think now a days the cheap cotton shrinks too much- I should test it out one day though. I am sure my daughter would have a heart attack if she saw a selvage showin on a strap! Doesn't matter a bit if your pattern pieces are pinned to the right or wrong side for an apron. For clothing you have to watch things like repeating patterns, bias, one way designs, stretch direction of knits, etc- much more fussy. But anything you sew that is only one piece- bib, apron, single placemat, etc- only the grainline matters. You can spray it down with water, use a steam cloth or steam iron then dry iron if you need to shrink a cotton you cut out. Just a future tip if tossing in a washer isn't possible. Or you can cut the apron pieces about a half inch bigger all along the pattern and make the straps about 1.5 inches longer- if you are concerned that they may shrink too much and not be long enough to tie around your waist. Or just place the apron body piece along the fold so about an inch or so of fabric is showing between the pattern piece and fold line. The cut the top of the apron so that an inch or so of fabric is added above the pattern top cutting line. That would work if you dont want to take the time to preshrink and haven't cut the apron. Its not something you want to try for garments pieces though- just one piece items. I bet it wont be too long before you begin posting tips for us! Let us know how it turned out. -- Edited on 1/27/13 3:24 AM -- ------ re-living my youth through sewing...

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