Don't Forget to Pre-Shrink!

Everyone who has ever learned how to wash laundry, most likely knows that certain fabrics are prone to shrinking. Most of those fabrics just happen to be natural fiber (no not the kind of fiber you need as a part of a healthy diet) fabrics like cotton or wool. I am a huge fan of using cotton and/or silk when I sew. Now as with any fabric, before you sew, or work with it in any way, it is a good idea to pre-shrink and (if needed, which is most likely needed when working with natural fiber fabrics) press the fabric before sewing or cutting it. Hey Tasha, Why do I need to do all of that? Can't I just wash it after I am done sewing?
The problem with sewing then shrinking is that thread and the stitch, won't shrink like the fabric will. Therefore you will have fabric that has shrunk, but not the stitch or the thread. It leaves your project looking rather poor. As far as pressing, it makes your projects look more professional and makes for a straighter more even stitch. It also makes the fabric and the stitch a little easier to work with.
Keep in mind, however, that different fabrics have different care instructions. Some you can wash like you wash the rest of your laundry. Some must be washed in cold water on delicate cycle and then tumble or line dried. Some must be dry cleaned. Don't fear though. When you buy fabric at any fabric store, the end of the bolt has the care instructions as well as the other information regarding the fabric. I suggest writing this information down when you are purchasing the fabric so it is on hand.
When you get your fabric home, go ahead and pre-shrink it. You don't have to press it right away, because odds are you will need to press the seams during the sewing process anyway. Pre-shrinking it right away will remove the "Did I shrink this or not?" problem before you begin your project.
And just a general word of advice. I suggest that when pressing your fabric, use a press cloth (I like to use cloth diapers. Not only are they cheap, but they work wonderfully). This helps keep the fabric from getting too hot or getting damaged by something that may be on the iron that you did not see.