Shrinking woollen fabric prior to cutting

[robert_n]

I have always chosen to hot-wash, soak and iron linen prior to having my tailor work it - I find it more absorbent and softer without the dressing, on top of any shrinkage protection. With regard to shrinkage with woollen fabrics, is it worthwhile to roll the length in a damp sheet overnight and then press before having the tailor cut and assemble? Thank you in anticipation.

[Simon A]

Most tailors will shrink the cloth for you before cutting.

[robert_n]

@ Simon A:
Thanks. I should have been more expansive; I'm thinking of a situation where time is short, a fly-in/fly-out scenario, where I'd like the work to proceed post-haste.

[old henry]

Robert, My friend, You dont press the cloth. Let it dry on a flat surface. Dont hang the cloth. The weight of the wet cloth will stretch it. Steam it lightly after it has dried or let your tailor press it.. Do not press it dry with the iron.
Line the cloth up square and roll it loosely not tight. I cut off the selvage because it has cotton in it and it shrinks more and distorts the goods. Heavier goods need a wetter cloth than light weights. Put the rolled up cloth in a plastic bag or it will dry out.. Shrinking goods is a very satisfying process. I shrink everything. Canvas, Haircloth, LINING {very important to shrink lining} just soak lining in the sink and drip dry. Have fun.

[robert_n]

@ old henry:
Thanks for your reply. I see now what a novice shrinker I have been. If I could lean on you for a couple of other pointers - is cold water sufficient, and how long should I leave the fabric soaking?

[Bertel]

Dear Henry,

This is interesting. You say you "shrink everything". Just as a side note (since the thread explicitely talks about woolen fabrics): would you recommend to also follow this process for shirting fabrics, so cotton, or linen, before giving those to the shirtmaker?

Thank you,
Robert K. (another novice Robert )

[alden]

: would you recommend to also follow this process for shirting fabrics, so cotton, or linen, before giving those to the shirtmaker?

All the shirtmakers I have used do shrink cottons. I am not sure, given the production methods of modern cottons, how necessary it is to do so. But it is the tradition to soak.

Most modern linen shirtings and suitings are highly sanforized so there is minimal if any shrinkage.

When in doubt, soak it.

Cheers

[Bertel]

Many thanks Michael!

Well, I should have known anyway - just another parameter or step in the process that I should bespeak with my shirtmaker (if he does it, which I assume now since he is a traditionalist, and how)

Thank you,
Robert

[old henry]

Yes Robert .. cold water. I would leave it over night.
Dont ring too much water out. If I make a cotton or linen suit I shrink.
Michael knows shirts.
Have fun.

[robert_n]

Thanks to all for the comments.