Wash washable cotton fabrics gently at 30°C with a mild detergent. Cotton can shrink, particularly during the first wash, so prewash before cutting and sewing. The amount of shrinkage depends on the fabric and its finish.

Lightweight or loosely woven cottons, such as gauze and muslin, need gentler handling than heavier fabrics such as canvas and drill. Follow the product’s care instructions and hand wash where recommended. Air dry, and iron at the temperature advised for the fabric.

Many silk fabrics require dry cleaning, particularly delicate fabrics such as georgette, crepe de chine and habotai. Do not wash silk unless the product’s care instructions confirm that it is washable.

Where hand washing is permitted, use cool water and a gentle detergent suitable for silk. Do not wring or tumble dry. If you intend to dry clean the finished garment, do not prewash the fabric in water.

Iron on a low setting only where the care instructions allow it, testing a small piece first.

Wool care depends on the fabric and its finish. Some wool fabrics require dry cleaning, while others can be hand washed or machine washed. Only machine wash wool if the care instructions specifically allow it.

For washable wool, use a gentle wool detergent and follow the recommended temperature and method. Where a 30°C wool cycle is permitted, use that rather than a standard wash. Avoid rubbing, wringing or excessive agitation, which can cause felting and shrinkage.

Do not tumble dry. Gently reshape and dry flat where appropriate. Follow the fabric’s instructions for pressing or steaming, and test a small piece first.

Viscose is a type of rayon, and these fabrics are valued for their soft feel and drape. They can be delicate when wet and may shrink, so always check the product’s care instructions and prewash washable fabrics before cutting.

Hand wash gently where recommended. If machine washing is permitted, use a gentle 30°C cycle; a mesh laundry bag can help reduce handling. Do not wring or tumble dry. Air dry and iron at the temperature recommended for the fabric.

Wash washable polyester fabrics gently at 30°C with a mild detergent, following the product’s care instructions. Lightweight fabrics, such as polyester georgette, need a delicate cycle. Air dry and avoid tumble drying.

For polyester blends, follow the care instructions for that particular fabric. A blend containing wool, cotton or elastane may need different treatment from pure polyester.

Use a low iron setting where pressing is permitted, and test a small piece first. Excessive heat can damage synthetic fibres.

Linen can shrink, especially during the first wash, so prewash washable linen before cutting and sewing. Use a gentle 30°C wash with a mild detergent where the care instructions allow it, and air dry.

Linen naturally creases. Press while slightly damp, using the iron temperature and steam setting recommended for the fabric. Linen blends may require a lower temperature than pure linen.

Corduroy is often made from cotton, but its care requirements depend on its fibre content and finish. It can shrink, so prewash washable corduroy before cutting and sewing.

Where permitted, wash gently at 30°C with a mild detergent and air dry. Avoid tumble drying to help protect the raised pile.

Press gently from the reverse, following the care instructions. Avoid flattening the pile and test a small piece first.

Jersey and sweatshirting vary in fibre content, so always follow the product’s care instructions. Many washable cotton, modal, viscose and bamboo-derived jersey fabrics can be washed gently at 30°C. Prewash before cutting, as shrinkage may occur.

Air dry flat where appropriate to help the fabric retain its shape. Avoid tumble drying. Use an iron setting suitable for the fibre content, taking particular care with elastane and brushed finishes.

Avoid pressing directly onto a brushed surface. Test a small piece first and use a pressing cloth where appropriate. After pressing, allow the fabric to cool and relax before cutting.

PVC and leatherette should generally be wiped clean rather than machine washed. Use a soft, damp cloth and follow the product’s cleaning instructions. Avoid harsh chemicals, which may damage the surface.

These fabrics do not need prewashing before sewing. Allow them to air dry if wet. Do not tumble dry or iron.

Denim can shrink during the first wash, so prewash washable denim before cutting and sewing. Where permitted, use a gentle 30°C wash with a mild detergent and air dry.

Wash with similar colours, as dark denim may release dye during the first few washes. Test a small piece for colour transfer before combining it with lighter fabrics.

Press at the temperature recommended for the fibre content. Stretch denim and denim blends may require a lower heat than pure cotton denim.

Care depends on the backing fabric and how the embellishments are attached. Follow the product’s care instructions: some fabrics can be gently hand washed, while others require specialist cleaning.

Where hand washing is permitted, test a small piece first and handle gently to avoid loosening sequins or beads. Do not machine wash or tumble dry.

Do not iron directly over embellishments. If pressing is permitted, work carefully from the reverse at the recommended low temperature and test a small piece first.

Care requirements vary, so follow the instructions for the specific fabric. Some faux suede and faux fur fabrics are washable, while others require professional cleaning. Do not assume that all fabrics can be washed or dry cleaned.

Avoid tumble drying and direct heat. Do not iron, as heat and pressure can distort or damage the surface and fibres.

Velvet care depends on its fibre content and finish. Some synthetic velvets can be washed gently at 30°C, but only where the product’s care instructions allow it. Silk velvet and many other velvets require specialist dry cleaning.

Air dry washable velvet and avoid tumble drying. Do not iron directly onto the pile, as pressure can flatten it. If steaming is permitted, test a small piece first and avoid direct contact with the fabric.