Fabric Care Cheat Sheet
Sniedze Gaštola-KalniņaI have experienced that feeling myself, when the fabric in the store looks so beautiful, so soft, and so incredibly lovely, but after the first wash there is suddenly a surprise – something has shrunk, something has pilled, something no longer drapes as beautifully as it did at the beginning.
That is exactly why I think fabric care is just as important as the joy of choosing the fabric itself. Because beautiful sewing work begins not only with good fabric, but also with how we care for that fabric.
Here I have gathered a simple fabric care cheat sheet from my own experience and everyday work with fabrics – how to wash cotton, linen, flannel, softshell, knit fabric, wool, and muslin.
Wash the fabric before sewing
This is advice I truly highly recommend: if the fabric will be washed later, wash it before sewing.
This is especially true for clothing, children’s items, blankets, bedding, and all projects where size matters.
Many fabrics may shrink a little after the first wash – and that is normal for natural fabrics. And it is much better for that to happen to a piece of fabric than to a finished dress, pajamas, or trousers.
Cotton
Cotton, in my opinion, is one of the most rewarding fabrics. It is natural, pleasant against the skin, and very versatile. Cotton can be used to sew children’s clothing, dresses, blouses, bedding, toys, bags, and much more.
Cotton is usually washed at 30–40 degrees. I always recommend washing light fabrics with other light colors, while dark and bright fabrics are better washed separately the first time. Especially if the fabric is vivid – red, dark blue, green, or very bright.
Cotton can usually be ironed quite safely, but I generally recommend ironing it on the wrong side, especially if the fabric has a pattern.
A small tip from experience: it is really worth washing cotton before sewing. Even if the shrinkage is slight, you can feel it in the finished item.
Linen
Linen is a fabric with character. It creases, but in my opinion that is exactly part of its beauty. Linen never looks completely “stiff” or artificial – it always feels alive, natural, and a little relaxed.
Wash linen at 30–40 degrees, preferably on a gentle cycle. Do not spin it too hard, because then it will become very wrinkled. It is best to let it dry in the fresh air.
If you want to iron it, linen is easiest to iron while it is still slightly damp. Steaming works well too.
A small tip from experience: if you sew with linen, definitely wash it before sewing. After washing, linen can become softer, more pleasant, and also change size a little.
Flannel
Flannel is one of those fabrics you just want to stroke. It is warm, soft, and very cozy. For me, flannel always brings to mind pajamas, baby blankets, cool evenings, and comfort.
Wash flannel at 30–40 degrees. It does not like too much heat, because the fabric may shrink or start to pill more quickly. I also would not recommend drying it in a hot tumble dryer.
A small tip from experience: flannel definitely needs to be washed before sewing. It is one of those fabrics where the changes after the first wash can be more noticeable.
Softshell
Softshell is a very practical fabric for outdoor clothing. It is used to sew jackets, trousers, vests, and children’s outerwear. It is a good companion in wetter and windier weather.
Wash softshell at 30 degrees, on a gentle cycle.
Most importantly: do not use fabric softener. It can damage the fabric’s properties, and the softshell will no longer perform its job as well.
Softshell should not be bleached, should not be ironed on high heat, and should not be put in a hot tumble dryer.
A small tip from experience: if only one spot is dirty, it is often enough to clean it with a damp cloth. You do not always need to wash the entire garment in the washing machine right away.
Knit fabric
Knit fabric is very comfortable and lovely for everyday wear. T-shirts, dresses, leggings, children’s clothes, hats, trousers, and sweaters are sewn from it.
Knit fabric is best washed at 30 degrees. Before washing, I would recommend turning the garment inside out – this helps the color and surface stay beautiful for longer.
Knit fabric does not like heat, and when wet it also does not like hanging on a hanger for long. It can stretch out. It is better to dry it laid flat or carefully on a line.
A small tip from experience: if you want knit clothing to keep its shape longer, do not dry it in a hot tumble dryer and do not hang it wet on a hanger.
Wool
Wool is beautiful, warm, and natural, but it needs especially gentle treatment. With wool it is better not to rush and not to do anything “too harsh” – not water that is too hot, not vigorous rubbing, and not spinning.
Wool often does not need to be washed that often at all. Sometimes it is enough just to air it out.
If it does need washing, use the wool cycle or wash it by hand. The water should be cold or lukewarm. Wool items should not be rubbed or twisted. After washing, it is best to dry them laid flat horizontally.
A small tip from experience: wool does not like sudden temperature changes. If the water is too hot or the fabric is rubbed too much, it can felt.
Muslin
Muslin is a light, soft, and airy fabric. I really like that muslin does not have to be perfectly smooth – its natural, slightly wrinkled texture is part of its beauty.
Muslin is often used to sew baby blankets, scarves, dresses, blouses, summer clothing, and various delicate items.
Wash muslin at 30 degrees, on a gentle cycle. After washing, it often becomes even softer and more pleasant.
A small tip from experience: muslin does not necessarily need ironing. If you like a natural, light look, you can simply dry it and leave it as it is.
Quick fabric care cheat sheet
| Fabric | How to wash? | What to remember? |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 30–40 °C | Recommended to wash before sewing |
| Linen | 30–40 °C | Creases, but that is the beauty of linen |
| Flannel | 30–40 °C | May shrink, wash before sewing |
| Softshell | 30 °C | Do not use fabric softener |
| Knit fabric | 30 °C | Do not dry in heat so it does not stretch out |
| Wool | In cold or lukewarm water | Does not like heat and rubbing |
| Muslin | 30 °C | Becomes even softer after washing |
A few more of my everyday tips
It is better to wash bright and dark fabrics separately the first time, and if possible, add a little vinegar when washing.
Fabrics with a pattern or print are better washed inside out.
Do not overload the washing machine – the fabric needs space to wash properly.
If you are not sure how the fabric will behave after washing, you can first wash a small piece. This often helps avoid unpleasant surprises.
In conclusion
Every fabric has its own character. Cotton is practical and reliable, linen is natural and a little proud, flannel is soft and cozy, softshell is durable, knit fabric is comfortable, wool is gentle and demanding, and muslin is light and airy.
The better we know the fabric, the easier it is to work with it and the longer it keeps its beauty.
You can view fabrics for your sewing projects in our online store: www.sarlotesaudumi.lv
May your sewing projects be beautiful, and may the fabrics last a long time!
