How to Wash and Care for Block Print Cotton Fabric
A little preparation makes all the difference when sewing with hand block printed cotton. Washing before cutting, drying in the shade and pressing with care can help you look after the print and avoid surprises once your project is finished.
This guide covers the lightweight block print cotton fabric sold by the metre at Red Door Textiles. Always check the care instructions on the individual product, particularly when working with a different fabric or a finished item with trims, lining or interfacing.
Block print cotton care at a glance
- Cold hand wash.
- Wash separately for the first few washes, as excess dye may bleed.
- Dry in the shade.
- Prewash and press before cutting out a washable sewing project.
- Test your iron on a small offcut before pressing the main piece.
Why wash block print fabric before sewing?
Prewashing lets you see how your fabric behaves before you spend time cutting and sewing it. Cotton can shrink when washed, and our hand-dyed block print fabric may release excess dye during the first few washes. It is better to discover those changes while the fabric is still in one piece.
If you are making something that will be washed, such as a cushion cover, napkins or a drawstring bag, prepare the fabric first using the care method you intend to follow afterwards. Let it dry completely, press it and then measure the usable width and length. Base your cutting layout on those measurements rather than assuming the original dimensions are unchanged.
Before washing, you can secure the cut edges with a zigzag stitch or an overlocker to help reduce fraying. Keep the fabric separate from other pieces, including pale linings you plan to use in the same project.
How to hand wash block print cotton
Our care instructions recommend a cold hand wash. Use a clean basin with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent suitable for the fabric, following the detergent directions.
- Wash one fabric separately, especially during the first few washes.
- Move it gently through the water rather than scrubbing or rubbing the printed surface.
- Avoid leaving it soaking for a long period.
- Rinse gently in fresh cold water.
- Press out excess water without twisting or wringing the fabric. A clean towel can help absorb moisture.
Do not assume that a cotton fibre content means a hot wash or a standard machine cycle is suitable. The printed and dyed finish needs consideration too. Follow the instructions for your particular fabric.
Does block print cotton bleed colour?
It can. The care instructions for our block print cotton advise washing separately for the first few washes because excess dye may bleed. Colour in the wash water does not tell you that the fabric is ready to wash with other items, so continue to take care before combining it with pale fabrics.
If your design pairs a strong print with a white or light-coloured lining, wash and assess the print before assembling the project. If you are unsure about a particular fabric, contact us before cutting or combining it with other materials.
Dry in the shade
After washing, gently open out the fabric and dry it in the shade, as directed on our product pages. Avoid leaving the wet fabric bundled up or folded against another textile.
Support the fabric while it dries and ease it back into shape without stretching it. Our instructions specify shade drying, so choose that method rather than assuming tumble drying is suitable.
The colours of hand-dyed fabric may naturally soften over time. Following the care instructions helps you enjoy the fabric as its appearance gradually changes through use.
How to press block print cotton
Once the fabric is dry, smooth it before marking or cutting your pattern pieces. Test your iron on a small offcut first, starting with a lower setting and checking how the fabric responds.
Press from the reverse where practical and use a clean pressing cloth to keep the iron away from the printed surface. Lift and place the iron instead of repeatedly dragging it across the fabric, which can pull it out of shape. Allow the pressed fabric to cool before cutting.
Storing your fabric and finished projects
Make sure fabric is completely dry before putting it away. Store it in a clean, dry cupboard or drawer away from direct sunlight. Keep a small labelled offcut with your project notes so you can test pressing or washing methods later without experimenting on the finished piece.
For sewn items, consider every component. A cotton outer does not automatically make a bag with interfacing, a zip or a delicate lining suitable for the same treatment as unsewn fabric. Choose compatible materials and keep the relevant care instructions with the finished project, especially if it is a gift.
Common questions about block print fabric care
Should I prewash before cutting?
Yes, if you intend to wash the finished project. Prewashing, drying and pressing first lets you check for changes in size and colour before cutting.
Can I put it in the washing machine?
For the block print cotton covered here, our product care instructions recommend cold hand washing. Follow that advice rather than substituting a machine cycle.
Will every print behave the same way?
Do not assume so. Treat each new fabric separately and check its individual product information. Previous experience with one print does not replace checking another.
Choose your next sewing project
Explore our block print cotton fabric collection for your next make. If you are deciding what to sew, our guide to what you can make with one metre of block print cotton includes five project ideas and practical cutting measurements.