Read the whole blend
Look at the full fiber blend, not just the main ingredient. Stretch fibers, delicate weaves and special finishes can all change how you care for your fabric.
THE FABRIC EDIT / CARE NOTES
Beautiful fabric deserves care that fits into everyday life. Whether you are preparing cloth for a new project or looking after a garment you have made, the right washing, drying and ironing routine helps preserve its color, feel and shape.
Explore our fabric-by-fabric guide below for practical advice, from easy-care cottons and everyday synthetics to fluid cellulosics, fine wool and delicate silk.
Wash gently.
Dry with care.
Wear for longer.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Look at the full fiber blend, not just the main ingredient. Stretch fibers, delicate weaves and special finishes can all change how you care for your fabric.
For washable fabrics, prewash before cutting using the method you plan to use for the finished garment. Let the fabric dry completely before laying out your pattern. Fabrics intended for professional care need a different preparation method.
Use a gentle routine, avoid unnecessary heat and support the garment as it dries. Remember that linings, trims, interfacing and embellishments may need more delicate care than the main fabric.
Start with the full fiber composition and any care details supplied with your fabric. For blends, choose the gentler method needed by the most delicate fiber, and include the lining, interfacing and trims when caring for a finished garment. Coatings, pile and decorative finishes may need a different routine from the base cloth.
YOUR FABRIC, AT A GLANCE
Find practical washing, drying and pressing tips for your next project.
Hand wash in cold water, colors separately. Do not twist or wring. Use a mild detergent and gently move the fabric through the water rather than rubbing it. Keep light and dark colors separate.
Hang to dry. Allow the fabric to dry naturally, with enough support to prevent wet areas from pulling out of shape. Keep it away from radiators and direct heat.
Avoid ironing. A smooth hanger can help reduce creasing as it dries, so the fabric needs less pressing.
Dry clean for best results.
Machine wash in warm water or hand wash in cold water. Choose a gentle cycle and avoid overloading the machine so the fabric can move freely. For knitwear, turn the garment inside out to help reduce surface abrasion.
Tumble dry on low heat. Remove the garment promptly and reshape it while it is still slightly damp. Lay heavier knits flat if hanging would stretch them.
Iron on low if needed. Use light pressure and avoid leaving the iron in one place, as too much heat can flatten or distort the fibers.
Hand wash in cold water or machine wash on a gentle cycle. Choose a mild detergent and a short, gentle wash. Avoid twisting wet fabric; gently squeeze out excess water instead.
Air dry. Avoid tumble drying and dry cleaning. Reshape garments while damp and support them evenly on a drying rack. Lay knitted pieces flat to help retain their shape.
Iron on low if required. Press from the reverse with a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric to help protect the surface.
Machine wash in warm water or hand wash in cold water. Use a mild detergent and skip fabric softener, which can leave a coating on performance fabrics. Turn garments inside out before washing.
Opt for air drying to preserve the fabric's quality and elasticity. Spread the garment on a rack with good airflow. Keep it away from radiators and other sources of direct heat.
No ironing needed. Smooth the garment with your hands while damp to help reduce creases without applying direct heat.
Dry cleaning not recommended.
Machine wash in warm water, wash colors separately. Wash light and dark colors separately and use a gentle detergent. Turn printed garments inside out to help reduce friction against the printed face.
Tumble dry on low or air dry. Take garments out of the dryer before they become overdried and smooth out seams while slightly damp. This helps make ironing easier.
Use a warm to hot iron for plain cotton. Slightly damp cotton is easier to press. Use a lower setting and press on the reverse for prints, decorative finishes or blends with heat-sensitive fibers.
Hand wash in cold water. Use a mild detergent and move the fabric gently through the water. Avoid soaking, twisting or wringing, which can leave creases and strain the wet cloth.
Lay flat to dry. Gently press out excess moisture with a clean towel before laying the fabric out. Reshape it without pulling and let it dry away from direct heat.
Iron at a low or medium temperature on the reverse to help prevent shine. Keep the iron moving with light pressure and use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric’s soft surface and subtle sheen.
Dry cleaning is an option for cupro and may give the best result for delicate pieces. Cupro can feel firmer after washing in water; gentle ironing after drying can help restore its soft handle.
Machine wash inside out in cold water. Avoid bleach or harsh detergents. Wash with similar dark colors and avoid overcrowding the drum. Turning the fabric or garment inward helps limit abrasion and visible fading on the face.
Line dry or tumble dry on low heat. Reshape the garment and smooth the waistband, seams and pockets while damp. Remove it promptly if using the dryer to reduce deep creases.
Use medium heat with steam if needed. Press from the inside where possible, paying attention to seams and hems. Use a lower temperature if the denim contains elastane or a special finish.
Wash sparingly to preserve color. When needed, hand wash or soak in cold water with mild detergent. Keep raw denim separate from other laundry, especially pale colors. Handle it gently while wet and avoid scrubbing a single area, which can create uneven fading.
Hang to dry in shade; avoid tumble drying. Shape the garment before hanging and use even support at the waistband. Keep it out of strong sunlight to help preserve the depth of the dye.
Iron inside out on low to medium heat with steam. Press with light pressure, particularly around folded seams. Avoid creating sharp creases unless they are part of the intended finish.
Expect some dye transfer and shrinkage; wash separately and keep away from pale fabrics while wet.
Machine wash in cold water. Choose a gentle cycle and leave space in the drum to reduce heavy creasing. Wash similar colors together and avoid twisting the fabric when wet.
Air dry or tumble dry on low. Smooth out the fabric before drying and remove it while slightly damp if you plan to iron it. Air drying offers a simple way to avoid excessive dryer heat.
Iron while damp. Work in sections, smoothing the cloth as you go. Use a pressing cloth on dark colors and a lower iron setting where the blend or finish requires it.
Can be dry cleaned
Hand wash washable merino gently in cold water with wool detergent. Do not rub or wring. Use gentle movements and rinse in water at a similar temperature. Avoid soaking for long periods or changing suddenly between hot and cold water.
Dry flat to avoid stretching. Roll the garment in a clean towel to absorb moisture, then lay it on a dry surface and gently return it to its original shape. Keep it away from direct heat.
No ironing needed. Let the garment relax flat after drying. If creases remain, use only the pressing method suitable for the particular fabric rather than applying direct heat.
Dry clean for best results.
Wash in cold water to help preserve color and shape. Use a gentle cycle and wash with similar colors. Turn finished garments inside out and avoid washing them with rough items or exposed fastenings.
Tumble dry on low heat or air dry. Reshape the garment while damp, giving extra support to soft knitwear. Remove promptly from a low-heat dryer to help avoid set-in wrinkles.
Use a medium iron on the reverse to avoid shine. Use smooth, light strokes rather than heavy pressure. A pressing cloth adds a protective layer between the iron and the fabric.
Keep heat lower for blends containing stretch fibers.
Machine wash in cold water or hand wash. Use mild detergent and a gentle cycle, keeping delicate items away from hooks and zips. A mesh laundry bag can help protect fine garments.
Tumble dry on low or air dry. Nylon often dries quickly, so avoid unnecessary time in the dryer. Smooth the fabric while damp and keep it away from direct heat.
Iron on low if needed. Use a pressing cloth and brief, light contact. Too much heat can distort or glaze the surface, especially on lightweight fabric.
Dry cleaning not recommended.
Machine wash in warm water or hand wash. Choose a gentle cycle and turn garments inside out to reduce rubbing on the surface. Wash with similar colors and avoid prolonged soaking.
Tumble dry on low. Remove the garment promptly and smooth it while still slightly warm. Hanging or laying it neatly can reduce the need for ironing.
Cool iron if required. Press from the reverse with light pressure and a pressing cloth. Avoid holding the iron in one place, particularly on lightweight or textured fabric.
Hand wash in cold or warm water. Use mild detergent and handle the wet fabric gently. Squeeze out moisture without twisting, especially with open or loosely woven cloth.
Air dry. Smooth the garment into shape and dry with even support. Avoid leaving tightly folded areas wet for long periods.
Iron on low if necessary. Press from the reverse and use a pressing cloth on dark colors. Work gently around open weaves so the iron does not pull the fabric out of shape.
Dry clean for best results.
Hand wash in cold water or machine wash on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent and keep agitation to a minimum. If using a machine, choose a short delicate cycle and protect finished garments in a mesh bag.
Air dry. Gently remove excess water with a towel and support the fabric as it dries. Lay soft knits flat rather than hanging them by the shoulders.
Iron on low if needed. Press on the reverse with a pressing cloth and light pressure. Do not pull the garment into shape with the iron, as wet or damp viscose can distort.
Dry clean for delicate pieces.
Hand wash washable silk gently in cold water with a silk-friendly detergent. Do not rub, soak or wring. Wash colors separately and rinse gently in cool water. Support the fabric when lifting it out of the water rather than letting its wet weight hang from one point.
Air dry. Roll gently in a clean towel to absorb excess water, then allow it to dry away from sunlight and direct heat. Avoid using a tumble dryer.
Use a low iron on the reverse with a pressing cloth, or gentle steam where suitable. Avoid spraying water onto the face. Use light pressure and keep the iron moving. Press seams from the reverse and avoid direct heat on the face of delicate silk finishes.
Dry clean for best results.
Machine wash in warm water or hand wash. Use mild detergent and a gentle cycle, washing with similar colors. Avoid harsh bleaching products and excessive rubbing.
Tumble dry on low. Remove garments promptly and smooth them into shape. Air drying is also a gentle option for blends containing stretch fibers.
No ironing needed. Reshape while damp and allow the garment to relax as it dries to help keep creasing to a minimum.
Machine wash in cold water or hand wash. Use a mild detergent and a gentle cycle. Avoid overloading the machine, and turn garments inside out to reduce rubbing against the fabric surface.
Tumble dry on low. Remove promptly and reshape while damp. Air dry where preferred, laying soft knitted pieces flat for even support.
Iron on low if required. Press from the reverse with a pressing cloth. Light pressure helps smooth creases without flattening the fabric’s surface.
For washable cotton tie-dye, rinse separately in cold water until excess dye runs clear, then wash separately before mixing with other colors. Use a gentler, cooler method for delicate blends. Keep strongly colored items away from pale laundry during early washes. Avoid leaving wet fabric bundled together, as this can encourage color transfer between areas.
Hang to dry to avoid colors fading. Smooth the fabric before hanging and allow it to dry with good airflow. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to help preserve the colors.
Iron as instructed based on the fabric content. Press from the reverse and use a pressing cloth over printed or decorated areas. Let the fiber blend determine the heat setting.
The fiber blend still determines the suitable washing temperature.
Hand wash in cold water. Use a mild detergent and gentle movements rather than rubbing or twisting. Rinse thoroughly and handle lightweight fabric with even support.
Lay flat to dry. Arrange the fabric smoothly and gently return seams and edges to shape. Avoid radiators and other sources of direct heat.
Cool iron if needed. Press from the reverse with a pressing cloth and light pressure. Take extra care around permanent pleats and textured finishes.
Dry clean for best results.
Avoid washing velvet in a machine or by hand due to its delicate nature. Professional dry cleaning is recommended to maintain its texture and sheen. Tell the cleaner about the fiber composition, pile and any decorative finish. Avoid rubbing marks or spills, as this can disturb the pile and leave a visible patch.
Do not tumble dry velvet, lay it flat to dry. Support the fabric evenly and keep the pile from being compressed by heavy objects. Allow plenty of airflow around the garment.
Do not iron directly on the pile. For velvet suitable for steaming, use a handheld steamer without touching the surface. Keep any steamer off the fabric and avoid pressing seams through to the face. Direct pressure can crush the pile and alter its sheen.
Dry cleaning is recommended although some wools can be hand washed. For wool suitable for hand washing, use cool water and wool detergent with minimal movement. Avoid rubbing, wringing and sudden changes in water temperature.
Dry flat to avoid stretching. Absorb excess moisture with a towel, then reshape the garment without stretching it. Never place wet wool on a radiator or hang heavy knits from the shoulders.
If needed, press while slightly damp on the wool setting with steam and a pressing cloth. Lift the iron rather than dragging it. Use gentle pressure and avoid flattening textured wool. Allow the pressed area to cool and dry before moving or folding it.
Hand wash washable yak gently in cold water with wool detergent. Do not wring. Use a wool-friendly detergent and gentle movements. Rinse in water at a similar temperature, supporting the garment when lifting it.
Dry flat. Roll in a clean towel to absorb moisture, then reshape without pulling. Keep the garment away from radiators and strong sunlight as it dries.
No ironing needed. Let creases relax naturally while the garment rests flat. Fold for storage rather than leaving soft knitwear on a hanger.
Dry clean for best results.
Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Do not use chlorine bleach. Turn garments inside out and avoid washing them with rough fabrics or exposed fastenings. A gentle wash helps reduce wear on the stretch yarns.
Air dry in the shade to protect stretch recovery. Reshape without pulling the garment longer or wider. Keep it away from radiators and strong heat, which can affect elasticity.
Avoid direct ironing over stretch fibers. If the blend needs pressing, use low heat and a pressing cloth. Smooth seams with your hands while damp where possible. Never use the hot cotton or linen setting simply because those fibers form most of the blend.
Even a small percentage of elastane changes the care of a cotton, linen or synthetic blend.
Use the gentlest suitable washing method across all fibers. For washable cotton–polyester blends, use a gentle cold or warm wash; blends with silk or wool need the delicate-fiber method. Look at every component, including smaller percentages. A blend containing wool or silk should not inherit the more vigorous wash routine of cotton or polyester.
Air dry if the components have different drying requirements. Dry knitted blends flat. Support soft, heavy or stretchy pieces evenly so their wet weight does not pull them out of shape.
Use the lowest ironing temperature required by any component. Avoid direct heat on elastane. A pressing cloth protects the surface but does not make a high temperature safe for heat-sensitive fibers.
For finished garments, include the lining, interfacing and trims when choosing care.
Wash suitable cotton or synthetic knits on a gentle cycle in cold water. Put delicate items in a mesh laundry bag. Use the wool or silk method for those fibers. Turn finished garments inside out and keep hooks, zips and rough items separate. Avoid vigorous rubbing at cuffs, necklines and other stretched areas.
Reshape and dry flat. Avoid hanging heavy garments while wet. Smooth the neckline, cuffs and hem into their natural shape without pulling. Turn the garment over once the first side has dried.
Press lightly on the reverse at the temperature suitable for the blend. Do not stretch the fabric as you press. Lift and lower the iron instead of sliding it across ribbing or stretchy sections. Let the garment cool flat before folding it.
Fold knit garments for storage to reduce stretching at the shoulders.
Hand wash washable satin gently in cold water. Avoid rubbing or wringing; use professional care for silk or acetate satin that requires it. Use a mild detergent and avoid rubbing individual marks, which can change the appearance of the smooth face. Keep colors separate when washing.
Air dry in the shade without twisting. Avoid tumble drying. Gently press out moisture with a clean towel, then support the garment so its weight does not pull on delicate seams.
Use a low iron on the reverse with a pressing cloth. Avoid pressing directly on the shiny face. Work gently along seams and hems and avoid pressing a crease into the shiny face unless it is intentional.
Satin is a weave, so check whether the fiber is polyester, silk, acetate or a blend.
For washable fabrics, hand wash gently in cold water with mild detergent. Do not rub or wring. Keep hooks, zips and rough items away. Use a clean basin and keep movements gentle. Support fine sections with both hands when lifting them from the water.
Press excess water gently into a towel and lay flat or support evenly on a drying rack. Spread the fabric without stretching the open areas, scallops or lace edges. Keep it away from rough drying surfaces that could catch the yarns.
Use low heat through a pressing cloth. Avoid dragging the iron across open or textured areas. Use light pressure and a smooth surface beneath the fabric. Avoid pressing directly over raised embroidery or decorative details.
Silk, embellished lace and fragile trims may need professional cleaning.
For washable performance fabrics, use a gentle cool wash and a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener and bleach. Do not assume bonded or decorative coatings are washable. Close fastenings and avoid aggressive stain treatments that could damage the surface. Rinse thoroughly so detergent residue does not build up on the finish.
Air dry unless the finish instructions specify a low-heat treatment. Keep coated surfaces from sticking together while damp and allow good airflow. Do not use heat to reactivate a finish unless its own care guidance calls for it.
Do not iron directly on a coating or laminate. Use heat only where the specific finish permits it. Smooth the fabric by hand where possible. Applying pressure or heat to an unfamiliar finish can affect both its appearance and performance.
Some DWR finishes need a particular cleaning or reproofing routine. Avoid solvents on coatings unless approved for that finish.
For washable decorated fabric, turn the finished item inside out and hand wash gently in cold water. Do not soak, scrub or wring. Glued trims and fixed pleats may require specialist cleaning. Keep washing movements light and support decorated areas so their weight does not pull on the base cloth. Avoid rubbing embellishments against each other.
Lay flat in the shade. Do not tumble dry. Arrange the garment in its natural shape and keep decorations from being trapped underneath it. Avoid wringing or twisting excess water out.
Do not iron directly on foil, beads or sequins. Avoid steam or pressure on heat-set pleats. Use a towel beneath raised decoration when handling the garment, and keep the iron clear of embellishments and glued areas.
The finish or decoration may need gentler care than the base fiber.
No matching fabrics. Try another name or select “All fabrics”.
BLENDS & SPECIAL FINISHES
A well-made garment brings several materials together. The outer fabric, lining, interfacing, fastenings and trims all play a part in choosing a suitable care routine. When their needs differ, use the method that protects the most delicate component.
Wash only as often as needed, give garments space to dry and store them clean and fully dry. Fold soft knitwear, support structured pieces on suitable hangers and keep delicate surfaces away from rough fastenings. These small habits help your handmade wardrobe stay comfortable, beautiful and ready to wear.
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