| Christine Jonson patterns were originally designed with cotton/LYCRA knit fabric in
mind. The general instruction pages give reasons why not to pre-wash this particular
fabric and explain the fit of the patterns based on this concept.
A knit fabric that lies flat and does not roll, has sizing on the face and is easy to
work with does not require pre-washing before garment construction if you take a few
things into consideration. These fabrics typically shrink more in length than width.
If the pattern you are working with has been sized with this in mind, shrinkage will
occur at the final pressing to give it proper fit. Pressing takes place after the garment is
constructed otherwise the pressed seams will be shorter than the unpressed seams.
My original patterns are drafted in this manner for cotton/LYCRA. The difference
between them and the patterns that followed is they simply offer a bit more ease.
Generally speaking, an inch and one half in length and one inch in width. If a fabric is
going to be easier to work with un-washed, just add a little extra length and width that
you can adjust after construction by pressing. Simple.
All Christine Jonson Patterns include the actual tissue pattern measurements. This
guide will allow you to make pre-washing decisions based on the finished garment
measurements. So pre-wash and take the shrinkage out ahead of time, or shrink press
it out during construction. It doesn’t matter as long as you plan ahead.
Do a test: Cut 2-6″ swatches of fabric and press one with a hot iron and steam, then
compare it to the other. This will give you an idea of how much shrinkage to expect.
Or, pre-wash and dry one swatch and do the same comparison.
Tip: Knit fabrics, both yardage and garments should be carefully washed either in the
washing machine or by hand. Yardage should be folded right sides together and either
basted or serged closed before washing. Finished garments should be washed and dried
inside out. |
