Preparation for Sewing

Jersey can behave unpredictably on its first wash, so it's well worth pre-washing before you cut, especially if the finished garment will be laundered regularly. This also gives the fabric a chance to relax and settle into its natural stretch and recovery before you commit to cutting your pattern.

Test first if you're unsure how yours will behave:

1. Cut a swatch roughly 15cm x 15cm
2. Measure and note its dimensions
3. Wash and dry using your intended method
4. Re-measure once dry and compare to your original measurements
5. Check for shrinkage, stretch recovery, and any twisting before committing your full length

Laundering

Wash jersey inside out, on a cold or cool gentle cycle, and avoid overloading the machine, jersey needs room to move, and a cramped drum is one of the main causes of twisting. Wash like for like colours together inside out and use a garment bag where you can to avoid bobbling fabric.

The twisting explained

Here's the answer to that age-old question: jersey is knitted in a continuous spiral, which gives the fabric a natural, inherent twist built into its structure from the moment it's made. Washing and, in particular, tumbling agitates that twist further, which is why a t-shirt can come out of the wash with its side seams migrating round toward the front. It's not a fault, and it's not something you've done wrong — it's simply how the fabric is constructed.

Single Jersey vs Double Jersey

Single jersey (your classic t-shirt fabric, knitted on one set of needles) is the most prone to twisting, precisely because of that spiral structure. Double jersey (knitted on two sets of needles, like interlock or ponte) is more stable and holds its shape far better, since its structure is more balanced and symmetrical. If twisting is a particular concern for a project, double jersey is the more forgiving choice.

2-Way Stretch vs 4-Way Stretch

2-way stretch fabrics stretch in one direction only, usually across the width, and tend to be more prone to distortion if over-stretched during washing or drying. 4-way stretch fabrics, which usually contain elastane, stretch and recover in both directions, making them noticeably more resistant to twisting and better at holding their shape wash after wash. If your jersey contains elastane, keep washing temperatures cool, as heat breaks down elastane fibres over time and shortens the fabric's stretch and recovery.

Drying

This is where a lot of jersey's bad reputation comes from. Avoid tumble drying where you can, as the heat and agitation are exactly what encourages twisting and can also degrade elastane content. Instead, gently reshape the garment or fabric while damp and lay it flat to dry, hanging jersey while wet lets gravity do its own stretching, which is how you end up with elongated t-shirts and dresses that never quite look right again.

Ironing & Steaming

Jersey rarely needs ironing thanks to its knitted structure, and pressing too firmly can flatten its lovely texture and drape. If you do need to smooth it out, a low heat setting and a gentle steam is usually all that's required, a garment steamer is a lovely, low-effort way to freshen jersey without direct heat contact.

Extra tip to help reduce pilling: Washing garments inside out, choosing a gentle cycle, avoiding unnecessary friction, and allowing fabrics to air dry where possible can all help keep jersey looking its best for longer.

Storage

Fold jersey rather than hanging it, particularly for anything heavier or with a looser knit, hanging encourages stretching over time, exactly the same way it can happen on the washing line. Store somewhere cool and dry, and give it a little room to breathe.