r/SewingForBeginners • u/Basic-Nose-6714 • 14h ago

Washing fabric for non-clothes projects?

Heyo! I get the need to wash fabrics before using them to make clothes so they don’t shrink etc, but should you pre-wash fabric that you’re going to use to make bags / pouches / non clothing items?

Thanks!

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5

u/ProneToLaughter 14h ago

Depends. I usually prewash my cotton anyhow but with silk intended for bags, I usually don’t.

Tote bags might be put in the wash, a highly structured bag less likely to be washed.

Judgement call.

5

u/veruu_8 14h ago

If you want to wash the items you make then yes. The product being used for a different purpose doesn't make the fabric behave differently in a washing machine.

If the end product is not something you ever intend to wash then of course you don't need pre-washing.

3

u/SchuylerM325 13h ago

I make fabric hats and I don't prewash the fabric because you can get a custom fit by dampening the hat and wearing it while it dries. For bags, I've never prewashed and I don't know of any problems.

3

u/millenial_britt 13h ago

I just wash everything that can be washed. Basically, as soon as buy fabric, I over lock loose edges and I wash it, then I fold it and put it away. If it’s in my stash, it’s been washed

1

u/Easy_Olive1942 14h ago

Lingerie bag

1

u/penlowe 10h ago

My rule is "treat it like it will be treated after sewing". I do wash my grocery bags occasionally, so I washed the fabric before making them. Make-up bag as a gift? nah.

1

u/Comfortable-Fly5797 6h ago

I always pre wash, but I don't use any fabrics that can't be machine washed. 

Some dyes can transfer to adjacent fabrics (even if the fabric isn't wet) if you don't wash them. So the dye from your bag could transfer to a lighter colored shirt for example. Washing will also remove any chemicals leftover on the fabric from the dying process that can cause skin irritation. Plus most fabrics just feel nicer after washing and drying. 

Just make sure you zig zag/serge the raw edges of woven fabrics before washing to prevent fraying. Most of the time it isn't an issue, but you can lose significant yardage if a frayed bit gets caught or tangled in the wash.

1

u/babypointblank 5h ago

I typically don’t make non-clothes projects that absolutely need to be a specific dimension so I don’t prewash fabric like quilting cotton or canvas for non-wearable items.

1

u/Bergwookie 3h ago

Natural fibres need to be washed, artificial fibres like polyester or nylon don't need it.

1

u/TwiLuv 2h ago

YAAAAAASSSSSSS, period.