HELP! I prewashed and now the damn thing wont iron out!

[Authentic_Mother]

Is it 100% necessary to prewash all fabrics? I got some normal broadcloth the other day and prewashed it to make aprons. When I pulled it out of the dryer the thing was wrinkly - unbelievably so. I spent 20 minutes trying to get them all out and still haven't managed to do it.
Do I have to prewash? Can I just wash it later or buy some that is already pre-shrunk or something???
Any hope for saving my fabric now?

[feest]

i always prewash even "preshrunk fabric", I've had a few too many bad expereance with prewashed shrinking up and making what i made unusuable.

as for the wrinkles u could try washing it again and pinnning it flat to dry.... but if the fabric is really what wrinklable ur going to have to deal with wrinkly aprons right?

[Authentic_Mother]

Originally Posted by feest

i always prewash even "preshrunk fabric", I've had a few too many bad expereance with prewashed shrinking up and making what i made unusuable.

as for the wrinkles u could try washing it again and pinnning it flat to dry.... but if the fabric is really what wrinklable ur going to have to deal with wrinkly aprons right?

Not if I never wash them....:

[Abarat]

I always prewash everything and have the same trouble if I use the dryer. Generally I use the clothesline and don't have that problem though.

But for stubborn creases and wrinkles I employ generous use of a spray bottle. Just use the spray bottle and spritz the fabric, sometimes heavily. Something like broadcloth can take the spritzing as well as the high setting on steam and heat, that usually does the trick for me.

[PaulaJoAnne]

Originally Posted by Authentic_Mother

Is it 100% necessary to prewash all fabrics? I got some normal broadcloth the other day and prewashed it to make aprons. When I pulled it out of the dryer the thing was wrinkly - unbelievably so. I spent 20 minutes trying to get them all out and still haven't managed to do it.
Do I have to prewash? Can I just wash it later or buy some that is already pre-shrunk or something???
Any hope for saving my fabric now?

Prewash it, and then only dry it half way. Let your iron do the rest of the drying.
With this piece, either rewash it, or spritz it with water before ironing again.

[feest]

Originally Posted by Authentic_Mother

Not if I never wash them....:

laughup

[Porcelain Interior]

Get it wet and iron it.

[merrijayne]

I always prewash as well, was taught to in clothing 101! It removes any sizing and also can release any dye residue as well. Then there is shrinkage.

[sewchris2642]

It's possible that you over dried it and heat set the wrinkles in. Run it through the last rinse and spin cycle on your washing machine. Then dry it on low (permanent press? delicate? On my dryer, only high heat is timed) with a couple of clean bath towels. Check for dryness after only about 20 minutes. If it is mostly dry (barely damp), finish drying it by ironing. If not, finish drying. And always take clothes out of the dryer promply. Letting them set in the dryer will set wrinkles. Always remove clothes and fold or hang promply.

Also when putting it in the dryer, shake it out flat. Don't put it in the dryer all wadded up. I agree with the op about air drying on a clothes line.