Kathryn24

I bought cotton thread to make pillowcase dresses/shirts yesterday.

I've never sewn anything that would be washed so I was wondering if the cotton thread is likely to shrink in the washing and drying of the final dress?

TIA!

MissPitchy

I'm pretty sure quilters use cotton thread because it shrinks with the fabric after washing/drying over time. If the cotton of the quilt continued to shrink and the thread didn't, it would cause the fabric to rip/shred from pulling at the thread.

If the fabric you are using is 100% cotton, I think you'll be fine.

grinell

Yep, that.

Kathryn24

I thought I would wash the fabric first, then measure/cut/sew. Or do I have that wrong .

MissPitchy

I would definitely do that - wash and machine dry first - and then do your cutting/sewing. The fabric will continue to shrink as it's washed/dried but it won't be as noticeable as the first wash/dry.

Kathryn24

Thanks for the help!!!

grinell

I do prewash fabrics I buy at Joann's, but not ones I buy from quilting stores. It also depends on how important fit is on the garment I am making (i.e. I did prewash the fabric for my dress, but don't usually for stuff I make for M because big is ok for her). Is it regular cotton thread or is it mercerized cotton thread? Mercerized cotton thread, from what I've read, won't shrink as much and that is what most of my cotton threads are.

You might pick up some other thread if it's going to bug ya, but I think it'll be fine. Can't wait to see the final product!