Whether or Not to Prewash Domet Flannel

[Robert C Milton]

Hi all!

I recently bought some quality domet flannel from B&B Tart (always a treat) to make a Federal issue shirt. I was wondering, does anyone prewash their domet before cutting? I would imagine being a wool and cotton blend that you wouldn't want to do so considering the wool content, but I've also prewashed every bit of cotton fabric before bringing it within a mile of a pair of scissors.

Any advice would be appreciated, pards.

 

[RedRover]

Why not cut a square and wash it to see how the shrinkage is. (maybe whip the edges first, I think it might ravel more normal flannel).

 

[Robert C Milton]

That's a pretty good idea. Going to try it this evening.

 

[Robert C Milton]

Can report back that I decided to wash it in the washing machine on delicate, cold, with Dr. Bronner's soap, and then tumble dried on low for 30 minutes. It only shrank by a few inches, hitting around 58" from the original 61" width. Feels much less course now as well and should after the finished shirt is complete be not too uncomfortable.

 

[lupaglupa]

Honestly, you should prewash all fabric before sewing.

 

[The Ninth Ohio]

I've made several of these shirts and never pre-washed at all. The two my son and I use are still comfy and going strong after years of use.

 

[Mississippian1861]

Most of the time Tarts website will say if the fabric has been prewashed/shrunk I know most of his jean cloth is. I don't think the domet is.

 

[RetiredCanuck]

If you have a natural fibre and ever intend to wash or dry the finished garment with other goods; pre-washing is a good precaution against certain dyes leeching out and staining other items as well.
Also a good precaution if the article will be made in layers of different materials ie wool exterior/cotton lining/canvas interfacing and the item will be washed at any point. Fabrics don't always shrink at the same rate and if that happens the garment will pull itself out of shape.