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Prewash vilene interfacing B700, is that a good idea?
We regularly get the question from different customers with the following problem: They have sewn a shirt with Vilene interfacing cotton B700 or G700. After washing the interfacing sometimes shrinks resulting in a messy collar
The cotton fabric was prewashed but not the interfacing.
The last customer with this question wanted to order the new interfacing B700 by vilene. It is biodegradable, made from cotton and it’s coating is ecological so it can be broken down by the environment should it end up there
Back to the shrinking of the cotton fuse
I have tested it. One sample of the B700 was measured and then washed. B700 is washable up to 30 degreed according to Vilene. One would say that it should not shrink when washed at 30 degrees. But id did…
The sample was before washing 21cm by 15cm and after washing it measured 20,5 x 14,5cm. That is quite a bit for a larger piece! If it shrinks half a centimeter on such a small piece
The customer and me where also curious if the interfacing would retain the coating or if it would be washed off in the prewash. So I have fused the sample to an offcut cotton fabric. The offcut also was prewashed. I have washed it again and this time it came out great. The interfacing and the fabric both did not shrink anymore. The sample stuck to the cotton cloth well, another succesfull test!
Our tip: Preswash vilene interfacing B700
Have you choosen an interlining with cotton or other natural raw materials and will you wash the completed garment in the future? Prewash your interfacing too! If it does not help it does not hurt…