Preshrinking: A Must for Garments

Preshrinking fabric prevents unpleasant surprises after your project is finished. Here’s how to handle it:

• Check the fabric bolt label—some materials are already preshrunk.
• Wash the fabric as you plan to care for the finished item—cold water, warm water, dryer, etc.
• For dry-clean-only fabrics, steam pressing is an alternative. Evenly steam the surface and allow the fabric to dry flat.
• Mark the right side of the fabric before prewashing, especially if the sides are hard to tell apart.

Checking Fabric Grain

Grain alignment ensures your fabric behaves as expected when sewn. Follow these steps:

1. Pull a crosswise or warp thread to create a visible line, then trim along it for a straight edge.
2. Fold the fabric lengthwise with selvages touching. If the ends align smoothly, it’s on grain. If not, it may be skewed.
3. To correct, press with steam while holding the fabric in place. Let cool before moving.

Always press your fabric after prewashing to remove any wrinkles and ensure accurate cutting.

What is a Fat Quarter?

A fat quarter is an 18 x 20- or 18 x 22-inch (45.75 x 51 cm) piece of cotton, typically used in patchwork or appliqué. It’s cut from a half yard (18") across the full fabric width (typically 44"), then split in half to create two more square-like shapes. This makes fat quarters more versatile than a standard 1⁄4 yard cut (which would be long and narrow). They're great for projects that need larger pieces than strips but not a full cut of fabric. Fat quarters are often sold in coordinated bundles in quilting sections of fabric stores, making them perfect for small, colorful projects.