Fabric Shrinkage Guide
Shrinkage can turn 3 yards of fabric into 2.7 yards after the first wash. Know the rates, plan ahead, and never come up short.
Shrinkage planning is part of accurate fabric buying, not a last-minute adjustment. This guide gives practical shrinkage ranges by fabric type and shows how those ranges affect yardage decisions. It also covers when pre-washing is the better option and when buying extra is safer. Use it before purchasing so your finished project keeps the size you expect.
Shrinkage Rates by Fabric Type
| Fabric | Typical Shrinkage | Extra to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Quilting cotton | 3–5% | +5% |
| Cotton canvas / duck | 5–8% | +8% |
| Linen | 5–10% | +10% |
| Rayon / viscose | 5–8% | +8% |
| Silk | 3–5% | +5% |
| Wool | 3–5% (can felt) | +5% |
| Polyester | 0–1% | +0% |
| Nylon | 0–1% | +0% |
| Cotton/poly blend | 2–3% | +3% |
| Denim | 3–5% | +5% |
Two Approaches to Shrinkage
Option 1: Pre-wash the fabric
Wash and dry the fabric before cutting, using the same temperature you will use for the finished item. This eliminates shrinkage from the equation entirely. Most garment sewers and quilters pre-wash as standard practice.
Option 2: Buy extra yardage
If you cannot pre-wash (dry-clean-only fabric, or the finish would be ruined), buy extra yardage to compensate. Use the “Extra to Buy” column in the table above.
How Shrinkage Affects Yardage
Example: You need 5 yards of linen for a project. Linen can shrink up to 10%.
If you pre-wash: buy 5 ÷ 0.9 = 5.56 yards → round up to 5.75 yards.
If you do not pre-wash: buy 5 + 10% = 5.5 yards → round up to 5.5 yards, and accept that the finished item will shrink on first wash.
Pre-Wash Tips
- Wash at the same temperature you will wash the finished item.
- Finish the raw edges with pinking shears or a serger before washing to prevent excessive fraying.
- Do not pre-wash upholstery fabric unless you plan to make removable, washable covers.
- Some quilters prefer not to pre-wash for a crinkled, vintage look after the finished quilt is washed.
- Dry on the same heat setting you will use for the finished item.
Once shrinkage is factored in, head back to the project calculator to size the rest of your build using the adjusted yardage.