Preshrink Denim or You’ll End Up Shortchanged

Sewing jeans, jeans skirts or any garment made of denim can be a challenge for the home sewer if you’re not used to heavy fabrics or top stitching.

To make sewing with denim a little easier, preshrink the fabric using the same laundering method as you plan for the garment. Almost all cotton denim and canvas fabrics will shrink, usually from 2% to 10%. This is one area where you can’t afford to take a shortcut.

To maintain stitch quality and prevent skipped stitches, try this before sewing:

* Rub seams with soap or pound the area to be stitched with a piece of wood or hammer to soften the fibers. This is particularly useful when preparing to top stitch across several layers of fabric. Some sewers alternate pounding and steaming with a steam iron. Many fabric shops sell wooden pounders in their notions sections.

* Use a needle sold specifically for jeans stitching or a heavy needle (size 16 or 18) made with a sharp point. Try a needle lubricant.