pre-wash fabric before sewing - silly question

L4ur4

When you pre-wash fabric before sewing with it, do you need to hem it first? I feel sort of dumb asking, but I have visions of unraveling tangled threads of once-fancy fabric in my washer... [Poll]

Johlise

I always serge or zig-zag my edges first.

kate6267

probably a good idea otherwise yes there are lots of tangles in loose thread

Justinlove

I can honestly say, I have never serged, hemmed, zigzagged or pinked my fabric before washing--and I have washed a boatload of fabric.

Lucky7707

Justinlove:

I can honestly say, I have never serged, hemmed, zigzagged or pinked my fabric before washing--and I have washed a boatload of fabric.

I haven't either.. seems like a lot of work. lol  

I just trim the scraggly edges/threads when it comes out of the dryer.  

TheBridesMom

Lucky7707:

Justinlove:

I can honestly say, I have never serged, hemmed, zigzagged or pinked my fabric before washing--and I have washed a boatload of fabric.

I haven't either.. seems like a lot of work. lol  

I just trim the scraggly edges/threads when it comes out of the dryer.  

This.

I will admit to thinking that maybe I should reconsider and serge or otherwise stitch to help minimize the tangled mess, when I have washed multiple pieces and turned them into a big wad of strings and fabric.

Shortcake2675

I live on the wild side.  I do end up trimming the threads between the washer and dryer.  I also always buy extra fabric for any project, so I don't worry so much about losing a little here and there.

jessicaclare

I use my pinking shears on the edges before washing. I really, really hate cutting apart the tangled threads after.

Gretijean

I quilt instead of making clothes.  I don't prewash any of the fabric.

L4ur4

thanks for all the replies - seems like a mixed bag, I don't feel so dumb for asking anymore.