SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR FABRIC BEFORE SEWING IT?

WASH, DECATIZING OR DO NOTHING: THE ACTION THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING

Before cutting the first centimeter of fabric, one question comes up with every new project: should I really wash my fabric?

The answer depends on the material, and for certain Atelier Brunette fabrics, very precise preparation makes all the difference.

WHY PREPARE YOUR FABRIC BEFORE SEWING?

Cutting fabric directly means risking an unpleasant surprise after sewing it: certain fibers naturally move and breathe.

Upon the first wash, they may therefore tighten, leading to shrinkage or stretching, sometimes by several centimeters.

This is the natural movement of the material, which is also what gives it its character.

This step also helps set the colors and reveals the true drape, texture, and suppleness of the fabric.

WASH OR SHRINK, THE RIGHT HABIT

WASH

For everyday fabrics: cotton, viscose, soft denim.

DECATIZING (STEAM PRESSING)

For woolens and more delicate fabrics without affecting the fiber.
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The best habit remains simple: consult our care instructions found on the product pages of our fabrics.

 

Machine wash, hand wash, or dry cleaning? 

Still in doubt? We are always at your disposal via email at:

service-clients@atelierbrunette.com or by calling our boutique at 01 84 06 19 24.

 

After washing: dry flat or air dry, a quick iron, and then the joy of creating your own handmade wardrobe takes over.

OUR SPECIAL FABRICS

Some Atelier Brunette fabrics require specific preparation.

YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT WASHING FABRIC BEFORE SEWING

Should you always wash your fabric before sewing?

Yes, in the vast majority of cases, it is necessary to wash your fabric before sewing it: this helps to anticipate shrinkage, set the colors, and restore the fabric's true drape before cutting your pieces.

What is the difference between washing and shrinking fabric?

Washing consists of putting the fabric in the machine like a regular garment; shrinking consists of preparing it with steam, using an iron, without prior immersion in water: a method reserved for delicate fabrics like wool or suit fabrics that leave marks.

How to prepare indigo denim before sewing it?

Before sewing, soak the Atelier Brunette indigo denim overnight in lukewarm water with coarse salt, then wash it separately at 30°C on a delicate cycle and let it air dry: after 2 to 3 washes, it will develop its characteristic patina.

Should Atelier Brunette Water-Repellent Cotton be washed before sewing?

No: it is better to steam-press water-repellent cotton to shrink it before use rather than washing it.

This helps preserve its water-repellent treatment, which is guaranteed for up to 8 washes once the garment is sewn.

How to prepare wool fabric before sewing?

Never machine wash wool: steam-shrink it (without ever touching the fiber), and take it to a professional once sewn.

Does linen shrink in the wash?

Yes, pure linen can shrink by several centimeters during the first wash: pre-washing is essential before cutting your pieces.

To wash, to pre-shrink, or to abstain: the choice always depends on the fabric, but never on chance.

Come and discover Our Collections

The Atelier Brunette team. 

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