Does everyone launder their fabric first?

[TotallyAddictedToLurking]

I am a total beginner and I wondered if you are supped to launder your fabric before sewing with it?

I do if I'm making something like a quilt where I'm using lots of different fabrics that might shrink at different rates. I don't make clothes but I suppose you would to need pre wash to to get accurate sizing.

I do. It has something to do with getting the stuff off that is involved in the making of the fabric and you get a better finish

I usually do in case it shrinks when washed and the finished item is spoiled, especially when making lined curtains as the lining shrinks at a different rate to the curtain fabric and they end up distorted when you wash them, as I have found out to my cost :(

If you're making clothes it's best that any shrinkage in the material takes place before you've spent hours cutting and sewing.

Always. I've had a few frocks shrink, so I've learnt from my laziness!

Ah yes shrinking! I never thought of that. Thank you

I usually prewash if I'm dressmaking because of the shrinkage. However I don't prewash for quilting because I like the effect you get from the shrinkage (I only use cotton)