Sewing concept

Pre-washing fabric

The process of washing and drying fabric before cutting to allow for potential shrinkage, ensuring the finished garment fits correctly.

Where it is used

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Pre-shrink the fabric (dampen it, let it dry until slightly moist, press with an iron, and allow it to finish drying completely). Trace the pattern pieces onto the fabric, making sure to follow the grainline. Cut out the pieces according to the pattern. Note: At this stage, you can leave extra allowance for fit adjustments along the side edges and waistband.

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Pre-shrink the fabric (Dampen the fabric, let it dry until just slightly moist, then iron it. Wait until it’s completely dry before use.) Be sure to pre-shrink the lining fabric as well. Transfer the pattern pieces onto the fabric, making sure to follow the grainline and nap direction (if there is one). Cut out the pieces according to the pattern. Mark the darts and pleats with tailor's chalk. Transfer all notches and reference marks by making 3mm snips through all layers of fabric, ensuring they're symmetrical. Mark the pleats on the front pieces with notches. If it’s hard to tell the right and wrong sides of your fabric, be sure to mark the wrong side as you cut! Reinforce all required pieces and areas marked with hatching on the pattern, including the entire waistband, the fly facing, and the seam allowances along the pocket opening on the front panels.