The first step, before your even think about cutting out your garment, is to preshrink the fabric. Pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations. One of two finished lengthwise edges on a piece of fabric. These edges are usually a little stiffer and firmer than the crosswise, cut edge of the fabric and will not ravel. Patterns pieces are usually laid out along the lengthwise grain because it has the least stretch and is the most stable.
Fabric stretches more on the crosswise grain than on the lengthwise grain.
The diagonal edge formed when fabric is folded so that the lengthwise and crosswise grains match. Fabric has the greatest amount of stretch along the true bias. Notions, such as tapes, braids, zippers, linings and interfacings, may require preshrinking too. Read the labels and check the fiber content. Trims, braids and zipper tape made from 100 percent polyester do NOT need to be preshrunk.