What happens to our muslins after washing?

One of the questions you may have before spending time adding a beautiful crochet border to your muslin is:

What will happen to it when I wash it?

We've put both of our new muslins to the test so that you know what to expect.

We measured samples of our Bubble Muslin and Bamboo & Organic Cotton Muslin before washing, then washed, tumble dried and ironed them before measuring them again.

The results also highlighted an interesting difference between the two fabrics.

Our Wash Test Results

Muslin| Before Washing| After Washing, Tumble Drying & Ironing

Bubble – Small | 28 × 28 cm | 28 × 29 cm

Bubble – Medium | 45 × 48 cm | 44 × 49 cm

Bamboo – Small | 29 × 31 cm | 27 × 31 cm

Bamboo – Medium | 43.5 × 45 cm | 41 × 45 cm

These measurements are from our own test pieces and are intended as a guide. Natural and cellulose-based woven fabrics can vary slightly from piece to piece, and the final dimensions will also depend on how you wash, dry and iron your finished muslin.

An Interesting Result – Bubble Muslin Doesn't Simply “Shrink”

Our Bubble Muslin behaved particularly interestingly.

After washing and tumble drying, the fabric naturally draws up into its characteristic soft, puffy and crinkled texture. In this relaxed state it can appear smaller because the fabric is no longer lying completely flat.

When ironed, however, those little bubbles and crinkles flatten and the fabric spreads out again.

That's why our 28 × 28 cm sample actually measured approximately 28 × 29 cm after washing, drying and ironing, while our larger 45 × 48 cm sample measured approximately 44 × 49 cm.

In other words, with Bubble Muslin it isn't particularly useful to think only in terms of “shrinkage”. Its dimensions can change depending on whether you allow it to sit in its naturally puckered state or iron it smooth and flat.

Personally, we love its natural, freshly washed texture – that's what gives Bubble Muslin its wonderfully soft and snuggly character.

What About the Bamboo & Organic Cotton Muslin?

The Bamboo & Organic Cotton Muslin showed a more conventional amount of shrinkage in one direction.

Our small sample changed from 29 × 31 cm to 27 × 31 cm, while the medium changed from 43.5 × 45 cm to 41 × 45 cm.

Interestingly, in both samples one dimension remained unchanged, while the other reduced by approximately 6–7%.

This is a good illustration of why woven fabrics don't necessarily shrink equally in both directions. The warp and weft can respond differently to laundering.

So if you're crocheting one of our Bamboo & Organic Cotton Muslins, please expect the fabric to soften, relax and become slightly smaller in one direction after its first wash.

What Does This Mean for Your Crochet Edging?

This is the important part!

We recommend adding your crochet edging before washing your muslin.

The hemstitched holes are at their crispest and most clearly defined while the fabric is new, which makes them much easier to see and crochet into.

When crocheting, try not to work your border excessively tightly. A comfortable, even tension gives both the muslin and your crochet edging a little freedom to settle together when the finished piece is washed.

Your choice of crochet thread matters too. Make sure the thread you use is suitable for laundering and follow its care instructions as well as those of the muslin.

Bubble Muslin: Embrace the Crinkle or Iron it Smooth

After washing your Bubble Muslin, you have a choice.

Leave it naturally relaxed and you'll retain that beautiful puffy, crinkled Bubble Muslin texture.

If you prefer a neater, flatter presentation, gently ironing it will smooth the bubbles and allow the fabric to spread out somewhat. Because of this, don't be surprised if an ironed Bubble Muslin measures slightly larger than it did in its naturally crinkled state.

Neither appearance is right or wrong – it's simply part of the character of this lovely fabric.

A Note About Finished Sizes

Because these are soft woven fabrics rather than rigid materials, the dimensions of your finished muslin should always be regarded as approximate.

Washing temperature, tumble-dryer temperature, ironing, crochet tension and even how firmly you stretch the fabric when measuring it can make a small difference.

Our own testing gives you a useful indication of what to expect, but we don't recommend trying to force a freshly washed muslin back to an exact measurement.

Let the fabric relax naturally, gently reshape your crochet edging if necessary, and enjoy the wonderfully soft character that develops with washing.

After all, these pieces are designed to be used, washed, loved and enjoyed – with your own beautiful crochet work making each one unique.