Fabric Properties and Wash Care
All of our products are handcrafted using the finest natural fibers. The subtle variations in color, texture and finish are the signature of the human hand. Creating each product is a lengthy process rooted in the crafts-based traditions of hand spinning, dyeing, weaving, wood block printing and embroidery, each with its own regional specialty and character. We use both vegetable dyes and commercial dyes.
Most Seamstress clothing is made from 100% pure handwoven cotton. Handwoven cotton allows more air penetration, making it cooler, softer, more absorbent, and breathable compared to machine-made cotton. This breathability keeps you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Handwoven cotton also has a distinct textural beauty and visible character not found in machine fabrics.
Khadi fabric is cotton that has been both handspun and handwoven. Cotton is a very strong fiber, even when wet, so it holds up very well to repeated laundering. We offer the following care suggestions to help extend the life of your Seamstress products.
Shrinkage
During the dyeing and printing processes, the yarn and fabric are repeatedly washed. This ensures full dye penetration, removes residual surface dye, and reduces shrinkage in the final tailored product. Depending on care, additional shrinkage ranges from 5–7% for printed fabrics and 7–10% for woven products.
Laundering
Please refer to the specific care instructions on your garment. Because cotton is strong when wet, it is simple to care for and becomes softer and more absorbent with every wash. Follow these tips to extend the life of your Seamstress garments:
- Machine wash cold on gentle cycle.
- Wash items with like colors and turn clothes inside out, especially dark colors.
- Some colors may need to be washed separately the first few times.
- All products with contrasting color piping should only be Dry Washed. (Piping is a strip of fabric used to define edges or style lines.)
- Keep zippers and hooks closed to avoid snagging other items.
- If using bleach, choose non-chlorine bleach to protect fabrics.
- Tumble dry on low heat. Remove items promptly, preferably while still damp.
Ironing
Press with a warm to hot iron while the garment is still damp. If the item has dried, use a spray bottle to lightly dampen the fabric before ironing.