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Fabric Care - Guide to Caring for Your Custom Fabrics!

The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Custom Fabrics

At Custom Fabrics, we know how much love and creativity go into choosing the perfect fabric for your projects. Whether you're sewing handmade clothes, quilting, or making bags, you want your fabrics to stay as beautiful as the day you bought them. The good news? With a little care, your prints can stay vibrant, soft, and long-lasting for years to come!

If you're wondering how to look after your fabrics properly, we’ve got you covered.

Caring for Cotton-Based Fabrics

Our cotton-based fabrics—Woven Cotton Poplin, Single Jersey, Organic Jersey, French Terry, Cotton 110cm, and Cotton Drill—are printed using pigment ink. To keep them looking their best:

  • Wash at 30°C – A gentle wash in cold or lukewarm water helps prevent fading and shrinkage.

  • Use a mild, phosphate-free detergent – Harsh chemicals can wear down the fibers and affect the colors.

  • Air dry or tumble dry on low – High heat can weaken the fabric and make colors fade over time.

  • Iron on the reverse side – If your fabric needs a touch-up, a medium heat setting will do the trick.

Looking After Waterproof Fabrics

Waterproof fabrics are designed to withstand the elements, but they still need proper care:

  • Waterproof Canvas – We recommend wipe clean only. They can be machine washed - they would loose it waterproofness but the print may fade in washing.  Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for long periods, as this can also cause the colours to fade.
  • UV Resistant Waterproof Canvas – Unlike standard waterproof canvas, this fabric can be machine washed at 30°C and won’t fade in the sun. If needed, you can also iron it on medium heat.

Caring for Home Decor Fabrics

Our home decor fabrics—Linen Look, French Velvet, and Upholstery Velvet—bring a luxurious touch to any space. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

  • Linen Look & French Velvet – Machine wash at 30°C and tumble dry on low heat.
  • Upholstery Velvet – This one requires a bit more care - wipe clean or dry clean only. It’s not suitable for machine washing or tumble drying. Good news is that this fabric is easy to clean with wet soft cloth.

Keeping Your Fleeces Soft and Cozy

Our fleeces—Sherpa Fleece, Cuddle Fleece, and Eco Fleece—are printed using sublimation, ensuring long-lasting color. To maintain their plush feel:

  • Machine wash at 30°C
  • Tumble dry on low heat
  • Do not iron – Heat can damage the fibers, so keep the iron away!

Taking Care of Polyester-Based Jersey Fabrics

For activewear and stretch fabrics, we offer Activewear Jersey and Double Brushed Poly Jersey. These fabrics are both durable and super easy to care for:

  • The polyester based jerseys don't need to be prewashed before cutting you pattern - they're prove to shrinking
  • Machine wash at 30°C - turn your garments inside out to minimise bobbling
  • Tumble dry on low heat
  • Iron on low heat if needed - they don't crease easy!

Maintaining Faux Leather

Faux leather is super easy to maintain, but it does require a specific approach:

  • Do not machine wash
  • Do not tumble dry
  • Do not iron
  • Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth – That’s all it needs!

Storing Your Fabrics the Right Way

How you store your fabrics can make a big difference in their longevity. Here are some key tips:

  • Keep them in a cool, dry place – Too much moisture can lead to mold or mildew.
  • Fold neatly or roll them – This helps prevent deep creases.
  • Avoid direct sunlight – Too much exposure to UV rays can fade colors over time.

Extra Tips for Long-Lasting Fabrics

  • Pre-wash before sewing – Some fabrics, expecially cotton based, shrink after washing, so it’s best to wash them before you cut and sew.
  • Skip the fabric softeners – These can break down fibers and reduce the fabric’s stretch and durability.
  • Spot clean when possible – Instead of washing the whole piece frequently, try dabbing stains with mild soap and water.

Love Your Fabrics, and They’ll Love You Back

Taking care of your fabrics doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple steps, you can keep your prints looking fresh and your fabrics feeling great for years to come. Whether you’re working with soft organic cotton, cozy fleece, or durable waterproof fabrics, a little extra care goes a long way!

Looking for the perfect fabric for your next project? Explore our collection at Custom Fabrics and start creating with confidence!