Fabric question

[asterroc]

I bought a couple yards of cotton flannel to play with. When the woman was measuring and cutting them for me she asked me what I was making, and I told her I wasn't sure how much I'd need, so I over estimated. She pointed out that was a good idea so I could make the pattern line up on seams (big whoop for what I'm making), and to account for shrinkage.

My question is twofold: (1) How much is it going to shrink? (2) Should I prewash the fabric?

Comments

[meig.livejournal.com]

Yes! Make sure to wash the fabric. Flannel will shrink and depending on the quality it may shrink significantly.

[rosefox]

Take a 4" square, toss it in the wash, measure it when it comes out, toss it in the dryer, measure it again.

[galbinus-caeli.livejournal.com]

Hem the edges and run it through the washer. It might shrink quite a bit, 15% or more is possible. And it might not shrink the same amount in the warp as in the woof.