To pre-wash, or not to pre-wash?

[delladea]

Everyone seems to have their own views on when prewashing is appropriate. I was taught to always, always pre-wash my fabric lest I anger the sewing gods and end up with unpredictable shrinkage and bleeding on first wash. The majority of my sewing experience has been with quilter's cotton, shirting, and reclaimed t-shirt knits.

I have this bag pattern and I have a few yards of thick, dark denim from my stash that I want to use for this bag. I've never ever used brand new denim fabric before and am afraid if I wash it first I may end up with light streaks through the fabric. Not sure if its relevant, but I'm also planning to hand-embroider a design on the outside flap.

So, what would you do in this situation? TIA!

Edit: Thank you to everyone who commented. I confess to having a bad experience washing some dark, unfaded jeans once that left streaks all over the legs which left me leery. I decided to give pre-washing a go with some other dark denim items. :)

Comments

[all_adream]

I would also definitely prewash, since the bag will *certainly* get wet in its life, and especially if you go to the effort to embroider nice things--it would be a shame to have all sorts of funky blue-purple-other stains appear later--good luck on this nice project! Show us when you finish maybe please...

[delladea]

All good points. :)

Oh yes, there will be pictures upon completion!