Replies

1. 
   tmorris1 | Nov 08, 2007 08:26pm | #1

   Elnababy;Pre-shrink it baby. I machine wash as many fabrics as I can before I sew with them, even some that are not supposed to be machine washed. The washing removes any chemicals that were added during processing, and tightens the fabric so that it will not shrink later. It also makes non machine washable fabrics into machine washable garments.T.Ps. be careful with ironing cord, it can be as tricky as velvet because of the pile.

   Edited 11/8/2007 12:28 pm ET by tmorris1

2. 
   SAAM | Nov 08, 2007 09:36pm | #2

   I agree, definitely pre-shrink corduroy. To iron, I lay the fabric face down on a thick towel and press the back side. That way you don't crush the nap.Sherry

3. 
   MaryinColorado | Nov 11, 2007 07:42pm | #3

   Run a zig zag stitch along the cut ends of the fabric before you wash it to decrease the fraying.  Or even just a long basting stitch will work.  Welcome back to the wonderful world of sewing.  Those cords will be well appreciated this time of year!  Mary

4. 
   Teaf5 | Nov 17, 2007 08:40pm | #4

   Yes, zigzag the cut ends and prewash--maybe twice--in warm water and tumble dry on hot so that all the possible shrinkage will happen before you make the pants.  Corduroy continues to shrink, so make them longer than expected (he can roll up cuffs at first if necessary.)

   If you take corduroy out of the dryer before it stops, you won't need to iron it.  Corduroy looks best when tumbled dry because the nap stays fluffy.  Your grandson's parents can launder the pants in the same way and not waste time having to iron them.