Shrinking Fabric Smarts

by Serena Smith

Keeping track of which fabrics have been pre-shrunk and which ones haven't can be difficult when your shelves are overflowing with fabric!

To keep track of which fabrics in your stash have been pre-shrunk, serge the raw edges before washing. When you are ready to begin a project, the serged edges are a reminder that the fabric is ready for cutting.

Make it a habit to shrink all fabrics before you store them. It saves time when you are ready to start cutting. Serging before pre-shrinking also keeps fabric from raveling and saves your washer’s agitator from the abuse of the loosened threads.

Another method is to attach a safety pin in the selvedge on each end of the fabric. With the pin in the selvedge, it won't ruin any yardage by rust marks or pin holes. Don't use a straight pin; it can catch on other fabrics as they are stacked and carried and can rip or snag the threads.