Recent searches
Search options
Administered by:
Thank you to everyone who has shared their process for pre-washing linen before sewing. I really appreciate you taking the time to provide this information.
@Zaelia @sewing Honestly, it depends on the final result you want. If you want softly rumpled like something that's been worn for years and well-loved, hot, hot, multiple times.
If on the other hand you want that smooth, sleek crisp effect then it's cold wash, hang until almost dry, and press with a very hot iron. It'll crease sharp enough to cut almost.
@Zaelia @sewing 3x hot wash & dry is what I do to take care of shrinkage and dye bleed, but once is enough if I'm only concerned about shrinkage. Just be sure to get it bone dry! Then later you can steam while ironing if needed.
A lot of the multiple wash advice comes from trying to avoid wrinkles, which will lessen once the fibers are sufficiently worn. But that's a LOT of washes (or a softener solution).
I aim to wash and dry the yardage one step “harder” than I plan to care for the garment - a dry clean garment, wash gentle cold and air dry; everyday clothes, machine wash and dry hot, as I normally machine wash cold and dry middling or line dry.
This isn’t to perfect the result as much as it is to avoid disaster.
@beandreams @clew @Zaelia this is my process as well. Be slightly more aggressive with the wash&dry than the garment would get normally. Denim is about the only thing I repeatedly wash, and that's mostly for dye removal rather than for shrinkage.
