Embarking on a new sewing project is always an exciting journey, and the desire to dive straight into creating with your fresh, untouched, fabulous fabric is undeniable.
However, experienced sewists know that the secret to a successful sewing experience lies in the careful and deliberate steps taken before your toes even hit the sewing machine foot pedal!
In this blog post, I’m unravelling the often overlooked but immensely important pre-sewing steps that can elevate your projects from *mild with occasional headaches* to marvellous!
Discover the simple steps to properly prepare your fabrics before you start cutting or sewing that will save you *frayed* (pun intended 😅) nerves later. Your fabric is waiting…
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
How to best prepare fabric BEFORE cutting and sewing!
Do I really need to pre-wash fabric before sewing?
Before cutting and sewing, it’s really important to pre-wash your fabric, particularly if you’re going to sew something that you intend to wash again in the future!
Many fabrics can shrink, warp or change texture after washing, and you don’t want your completed project to be ruined by unexpected changes.
Follow the care instructions on the fabric bolt (alternatively check any information on the fabric selvage or ask for advice at the fabric store) to determine the appropriate washing and drying method.
☝️Take care hanging fabrics on a clothesline to dry in the sun. I once went outside to collect my washing and discover that the sun had bleached a clear line along the fabric where it had been folded over the washing line. Eek! 🙈
A good rule of thumb is to wash and dry the fabric in the same manner you will be washing and drying your finished project. 💪
Should I also iron fabric before sewing?
I’ll let you in a little secret: I hate ironing! But should you iron your fabrics before cutting and sewing with them? Yes, you should!
Ironing your fabric is a key step to ensure more precise and professional-looking results. Iron out any wrinkles or creases, as they can affect the accuracy of your cutting and sewing.
And of course, pay attention to the recommended ironing temperature for your specific fabric to avoid damage.
Bonus Tip: Press seams during construction of your sewing project to create a polished and well-finished final product.
Psst! Pressing is not the same as ironing! Get more info HERE.
Do I need to pay special attention to the “right side” of the fabric?
Absolutely! The “right side” of fabric refers to the side that is going to be the visible or the outer side of your finished garment or project. This is the side of the fabric that often features the print, pattern, or texture you want seen.
In contrast, the “wrong side” is the opposite side. It will usually be unseen on the inside of your project and is typically plainer or even faded in appearance.
The right side is typically the side where the threads create a more defined pattern or texture or maybe even a subtle sheen, while the wrong side my seen rougher or more chaotic.
How should I lay out sewing pattern pieces on the fabric?
There’s a number of things to keep in mind when it comes to laying out your pattern pieces on the fabric prior to cutting and sewing. Careful planning is key!
Pay attention to fabrics with a specific direction, such as stripes, plaids, or fabrics with a one-way design. You don’t want to sew anything with that special pattern standing on its head!
Consider the fabric’s texture or nap (if applicable). It can affect how light reflects off the finished garment. Check that the upper edge of all pattern pieces are placed in the same direction to help ensure a cohesive and visually “correct” final result.
Before cutting your fabric, align the pattern pieces with the fabric grain as directed by the pattern instructions. This ensures that your garment hangs and drapes correctly. It’s especially important for items like skirts and trousers where grainline issues can impact the overall fit and appearance.
Another thing: plan your pattern layout with efficiency in mind to minimize fabric waste. Be strategic about how you arrange your pattern pieces on the fabric to make the most of the material. This is especially important if you’re working with expensive or limited-edition fabrics. And you never know when you might be able to use the fabric leftovers. 😉
Is sewing a fabric test sample helpful?
If you’re nervous about starting to stitch at all, take a look at these sewing practice sheets before putting your fabulous fabric under the sewing needle.
Before sewing your actual project, it’s good practice to test your chosen stitch type, thread tension, needle and the seam allowance on a scrap piece of fabric. (After cutting out your pattern pieces, just snip off a corner from the leftovers to use for this!) This allows you to make any necessary adjustments and ensures that your sewing machine is set up correctly for the specific fabric you’re about to work with.
If you’re working on a complex garment or with expensive or precious fabrics, consider making a test garment, also known as a muslin or toile, using a cheaper fabric. This allows you to make sure you understand the sewing instructions, check the fit of the garment and make any necessary adjustments before cutting into your final fabric. It’s a valuable step for ensuring that your time and fabric are used efficiently and that the final garment fits as intended!
More Sewing Tips to Help Improve Your Sewing!
Learn more about special fabric terms you’ll hear.
Record details of fabrics you’ve used for your sewing projects in a sewing journal.
Sharp scissors and more about the sewing tools you really need.
These five small steps for preparing fabrics before cutting and sewing lay the groundwork for successful and satisfying projects. They’ll help reduce the stress of making needless sewing mistakes while also creating items that will last longer and look better. Remember: a little preparation goes a long way!
Hi Jen, I have been sewing for a very long time, and I enjoy reading your tips. Lots of great information here, and I find I always learn something new. For example, I did not know that you shouldn’t use the fabric scissors when cutting out a pattern. And sorry to say that I do cut out my size in the pattern. I understand why this isn’t entirely sensible, but I do it anyway!
Cheers.
You are so right, sewing is a matter of always learning something new!