Does 100% cotton fabric shrink when you wash it, when you use the dryer, or both?

I am new to sewing and recently purchased a 100% cotton fabric to make a skirt. I have been getting confliciting answers from vendors, tailors, etc... Is it ok to just start my project with my fabric without washing? Can I wash the skirt with cold water and air dry after completed? Would that be ok? Or .....Does 100% cotton fabric shrink when you wash it, when you use the dryer, or both?
Yes, cotton will shrink from hot water and from a hot dryer. A good habit before beginning any sewing project is to pre-wash any washable fabrics according to recommended guidelines. In this case I would wash your cotton on the warmest setting possible - hot for white, warm for bright colors. Follow this by drying on hot or warm depending on the colors. In general, wash and dry the fabric as you would the completed project. I would also recommend ironing the fabric before cutting out your pattern pieces.





Another good reason to pre-wash is to rid the fabric of any sizing, chemicals, excess dyes used when the fabric was manufactured. If working with bright colors, you should ';set'; the color beforehand. (Ever worn a dark color and it rubbed off on your undergarments or worse, your skin?) This is done by dissolving 1/4 cup salt in a sink of cold water and immersing/soaking your fabric for 1/2 hour or so.





Although you can hand wash/delicate machine cold wash and hang dry - why not take the extra step before making your item. This way you have the option to toss it in the dryer and you won't have to worry about shrinkage.





Best of luck on learning your new hobby. It is quite rewarding to make your own clothing. :-)Does 100% cotton fabric shrink when you wash it, when you use the dryer, or both?
Nope not a good idea. It will sit funny and the seams won't be as good. Wash it in hot water, dry it in a hot dryer. Press it before cutting and press every seam as you sew it.
Usually the fabric is marked ';pre-shrunk';. If there is no such indication on the fabric you purchased, go ahead and wash it in COLD water, then dry the fabric as you normally dry your other items. Pre-washing and drying will eliminate any fear you may have about the fabric.





Good luck!
The dryer because the moisture leaving makes the fibers tighten up if you hang you clothes to dry they wont shrink
idk


i dont know
Cotton definitely shrinks. Not really from washing it on a hot cycle as much as drying it on anything other than air or low heat. Most people recommend washing the fabric prior to sewing so than an anomalies with the fabric come out and don't affect the way your fabric lays due to the stitching.You should be able to machine wash your skirt after completion. Hand washing and air drying will definitely reduce the wear and tear on the skirt from cleaning but, cotton fabric can certainly withstand a wash and dry cycle.