3.

Preparation of fabric for clothing construction

1. STRAIGHTENING

• Tearing the fabric.

Fold your fabric in half lengthwise and match selvages so that they are flush.

• Pulling a thread.

Some fabrics won't rip easily.

• Stretching.

Another method to try if ripping or pulling a thread isn't successful is to stretch your fabric. Fold fabric in
half with selvages together again.

• Ironing.

If your fabric is still not lining up then you can try ironing your fabric. Pin together the selvages and the
cut edges at one end.
2. TEARING

Some of the benefits are that it helps you find the strait of grain, improve your piecing, and eliminate
wavy borders. If it isn’t torn, snip in about a half inch from the side it and rip it yourself to see where the
grain is. If your lines aren’t completely on grain, learn how to straighten it out.

3. SHRINKING

Preshrinking the fabric is a simple process that assures that whatever is the final product, it stays the
same size that it was sewn in.

https://www.nationalquilterscircle.com/video/fabric-cutting-or-fabric-tearing-the-advantages-to-
tearing-fabric-003657/

https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/7168/pre-shrinking--a-manufacturing-ritual-not-to-be-
missed