Fabric can change after washing. Some fabrics shrink only a little, while others can become noticeably smaller. If you are sewing clothes, it is a good idea to think about shrinkage before you cut your pattern pieces.
Why Does Fabric Shrink?
Fabric can shrink because of the fibers it is made from, the way it was manufactured, and how it is washed and dried.
Natural fibers usually shrink more than synthetic ones. Hot water and high dryer temperatures can also increase shrinkage.
Which Fabrics Shrink the Most?
Here is a simple general guide:
- Cotton: around 3–5%, sometimes more
- Linen: around 3–10%
- Viscose/Rayon: around 3–10%
- Wool: can shrink considerably, especially with heat and agitation
- Polyester: usually very little, often around 0–2%
- Nylon: usually minimal shrinkage
- Polyester blends: usually less than fabrics made entirely from natural fibers
These numbers are only approximate. The exact result depends on the individual fabric and how you care for it.
How Do You Calculate Shrinkage?
The easiest way is to test a piece of fabric.
For example, cut or mark a piece that measures 20 inches long. Wash and dry it the same way you plan to care for the finished garment.
If it measures 19 inches afterward, it has lost 1 inch.
1 ÷ 20 × 100 = 5% shrinkage
Your fabric shrank by approximately 5%.
How Much Extra Fabric Should You Buy?
If you expect shrinkage, add a little extra when calculating your yardage.
For example, your project requires 3 yards and you expect about 5% shrinkage:
3 × 1.05 = 3.15 yards
In practice, it is usually better to round up rather than buy the exact calculated amount.
And remember: shrinkage isn't the only reason to buy a little extra. Pattern matching, cutting mistakes, fabric defects, and future repairs can all require additional fabric.
Should You Prewash Fabric?
If the finished project will be washed, prewashing the fabric before cutting is usually a good idea.
Wash and dry it using the same method you plan to use later. This allows most initial shrinkage to happen before you spend hours sewing your project.
For delicate, specialty, bridal, or dry-clean-only fabrics, always follow the recommended care instructions instead of automatically prewashing.
One Simple Rule
When you're not sure, test first and buy a little extra.
A small fabric sample can tell you much more than a general shrinkage chart—and it can help make sure your finished garment still fits after its first wash.