In this post you learn what is decatising and tips and tricks on how to do it at home.
Do you want to improve the appearance, texture, and durability of your fabrics? Do you want to prevent shrinkage, creasing, and distortion of your fabrics? Do you want to learn how to do it for different types of fabrics? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to learn about decatising.
Decatising means exposing the material to hot/cold water or steam. Thanks to this, the fibers shrink and the material stabilizes its dimensions. The effect of water is important here – temperature alone is not enough. Examples of decatizing activities may include, depending on the material, soaking in cold water, washing, drying in a washer-dryer, ironing using a powerful steam shot. It is often done before sewing to prepare the fabrics for cutting and stitching. It can also enhance the color, luster, and softness of the fabrics, making them more attractive and comfortable to wear.
In this post, you will learn what decatising is, why you need it, and how to do it for different types of fabrics. You will also learn some tips and tricks for home decatising using a steamer or an iron. By the end of this post, you will be able to steam and press your fabrics like a pro.
What is Decatising and Why Do You Need It?
Decatising is a process of treating fabrics with steam, hot, cold water and pressure to improve their quality and performance. It is mainly used for woolen fabrics, such as tweed, flannel, and cashmere, as they tend to curl and twist when exposed to heat and moisture. Decatising relaxes the wool fibers and fixes them in a smooth and even position, giving the fabric a better finish and stability.
However, decatising can also be applied to other natural or synthetic fabrics, such as cotton, linen, silk, polyester, and nylon. Depending on the type and quality of the fabric, the process and the results may vary. For example, cotton fabrics may need more steam and pressure than wool fabrics, while synthetic fabrics may need much less or none at all.
Decatising is like the initial material test – it allows us to check if the material does not bleed or pill. This can be the basis for a complaint. Of course, every material may release a bit of color during the first wash (you can also try to fix the color by rinsing it with water and vinegar), but if the color keeps running and leaves streaks – file a complaint. Seriously. And don’t accept it when the seller refuses to take back the cut material. If the material does not comply with the agreement and dissolves in your hands, the consumer’s basic right is to receive a refund or exchange of the product.
During washing, we eliminate some of the chemicals that were used in the production process. For decatising itself, we don’t need detergents, we can wash the material without anything, but for hygiene reasons, it’s nice to treat the material with a trusted laundry product.
The benefits of decatising are:
- It reduces shrinkage and wrinkling of the fabric, which can affect the fit and appearance of the garment.
- It increases the smoothness and stiffness of the fabric, which can improve the cutting and stitching of the fabric.
- It enhances the color, luster, and softness of the fabric, which can make the fabric more appealing and comfortable to wear.
Why do we need home decatising BEFORE SEWING?
Because the material we buy in the store was probably not steamed during production. If anything has been done in this direction, I’m more than sure, producers will boast about it. I’ve seen more and more materials described as washed lately, what’s great. Usually, however, we have to take care of the decatising ourselves. And of course we have to do it before sewing. Mandatory. Because imagine that you are sewing from fabric that is not shrunk. Clothes made in this way may change size or become completely deformed after washing If you wear very loose clothing, you may not notice a few centimeters of difference in length after washing. But if you sew slightly more fitted cuts, the clothes will shrink by one size in the bust and may no longer be suitable for wearing.
What are the Most Common Methods of Decatising ?
Decatising can be done in different ways depending on the type and purpose of the fabric. The most common methods of decatising are:
- Wet decatising: This method is suitable for fabrics that need to be softened and relaxed, such as woolen fabrics for suits and coats. In the easiest words wash your fabric in washing machine , I do it with regular laundry in 40 degrees and next use a steamer or an iron to apply steam and pressure to your fabric.
- Dry decatising: To do dry decatising at home, you can use an iron to apply heat and pressure to your fabric. However, you should be careful not to damage your fabric or yourself This method is suitable for fabrics that need to be stiffened and smoothed, such as woolen fabrics for trousers and skirts.
- Semi-dry decatising: In this case use an iron to apply heat and pressure to your slightly moistened fabric. And be careful!. This method is suitable for fabrics that need to be balanced between softness and stiffness, such as woolen fabrics for jackets and blazers.
How to Decatising Different Types of Fabrics ?
Different types of fabrics may require different decatising methods to achieve the best results. Here are some examples:
- Wool: Wool is the most common material that undergoes decatising. It can be wet, dry, or semi-dry decatising depending on the desired effect. Wet decatising can make wool fabrics softer and more pliable, while dry decatising can make them stiffer and smoother. Semi-dry decatising can create a balance between the two.
- Cotton: Cotton is a natural material that can also benefit from decatising. It can be wet decatising to reduce shrinkage and wrinkling, or dry decatising to increase crispness and smoothness. However, cotton fabrics may need more steam and pressure than wool fabrics, as they are more resistant to heat and moisture.
- Linen: Linen is another natural material that can be decatising. It can be wet decatising to soften and relax the fabric, or dry decatising to stiffen and smooth the fabric. However, linen fabrics may lose some of their natural characteristics, such as breathability and luster, after decatising. Therefore, decatising should be done with care and moderation.
- Silk: Silk is a delicate and luxurious material that can be decatising to enhance its beauty and quality. It can be wet decatized to improve its drape and luster, or dry decatized to increase its smoothness and durability. However, silk fabrics may be damaged by excessive heat and moisture, so decatising should be done with low temperature and pressure.
- Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic material that can be decatising to improve its appearance and performance. It can be dry decatising to reduce pilling and static, or semi-dry decatising to add some softness and flexibility. However, polyester fabrics may not need much decatising, as they are already resistant to shrinkage and wrinkling.
- Nylon: Nylon is another synthetic material that can be decatising to improve its quality and functionality. It can be dry decatising to increase its strength and durability, or semi-dry decatising to add some elasticity and comfort. However, nylon fabrics may not need much decatising, as they are already smooth and stable.
Tips and Tricks for Home Decatising
If you want to decatising your fabrics at home, you can use a steamer or an iron to apply steam and pressure to your fabrics. However, you should follow some golden rules to avoid damaging your fabrics or yourself. Here are some tips:
- Read the label: Before steaming or ironing your fabrics, you should read the label and follow the instructions carefully. Different fabrics may have different care symbols and recommendations for steaming or ironing. You should also check the colorfastness and shrinkage of your fabrics before steaming or ironing them.
- Use distilled water: You should use distilled water or filtered water to fill your steamer or iron, as tap water may contain minerals and impurities that can clog your device or stain your fabrics. You should also empty and clean your device after each use to prevent bacteria and mold growth.
- Test a small area: You should test a small and inconspicuous area of your fabric before steaming or ironing the whole fabric, as some fabrics may react differently to heat and moisture. You should also avoid steaming or ironing over buttons, zippers, or other embellishments, as they may melt or damage your fabric.
- Use a pressing cloth: You should use a pressing cloth or a thin cotton cloth to cover your fabric before steaming or ironing it, as this can protect your fabric from direct contact with the hot device and prevent scorching or shining. You should also use a pressing cloth to wipe away any excess moisture or dirt from your fabric after steaming or ironing it.
- Be careful: You should be careful when handling your steamer or iron, as they can be very hot and cause burns or fires. You should keep your device away from children and pets, and never leave it unattended or plugged in. You should also wear gloves and avoid touching the hot parts of your device or your fabric.
As you will see, some materials shrink before your eyes when ironing – this may be a signal that it is very needed and it’s good to devote some time to this process. Other materials, especially purely synthetic ones, will remain unaffected. That’s it, there’s really nothing difficult here! The word “decatising” may sound scary and difficult, but the process itself is really easy and worth doing to avoid unpleasant surprises. How’s steaming going with you? . Or maybe you will just start decatising after reading this text?
I hope this post helps you understand decatising better. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know. 😊
