Should you wash and dry your fabric before cutting out any pattern pieces?

Washing and drying your fabric before cutting out any pattern pieces is an important step in the sewing process, which is why the answer is to wash it beforehand. Many fabrics, especially natural fibers like cotton, have a tendency to shrink when they are washed. If you cut your pattern pieces from unwashed fabric, the final garment may end up being smaller than intended after the first wash. Additionally, pre-washing fabric can remove any sizing or chemicals from the manufacturing process that may affect the way the fabric behaves while sewing or how it feels against the skin.

Furthermore, washing the fabric can help ensure that any dyes are set, preventing color bleeding when the garment is washed later. It also allows you to check the fabric for any defects or issues that might not be visible until it has been laundered. In contrast, not washing certain fabrics, such as synthetics, can sometimes be acceptable, but it is generally a good practice to wash all fabrics to maintain consistency and quality in your sewing projects.