found this about bleeding fabrics
#11
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Quebec, Canada
Posts: 1,861
I had a red backing fabric not just bleed but RUN JOYFULLY through the bathwater on an antique quilt top. I had figured a few color catchers and the red would be fine like it always has. As soon as the quilt hit water the red plumed through the water as my heart fell. I did everything in cold water, four different soaks, spin outs, etc.. I finally tried the hot water and Dawn. It's amazing how beautiful the quilt came out. There was a touch of pink in a couple of spots that were there from the first soak. They became much lighter when I followed the "scary" directions of hot water.
Half a cup of dawn dish soap and hot water!!!
Last edited by helou; 05-06-2015 at 01:17 PM.
#12
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 2,137
Good article. I prewash all my fabrics and check for bleeding issues. I had bought a fat quarter on vacation, soaked it in hot water in my kitchen sink, and that baby bled like a stuck pig. I kept rinsing, and re-soaking. The bleeding never stopped. I donated the piece to our guild, which makes doggy pillows for the humane society with our scraps. I had wanted the piece for a Bonnie Hunter scrappy, which calls for many small squares, thus a lot of work. Thank goodness I didn't incorporate that piece into my quilt! On my labels I always put washing instructions, which state, "wash quilt in cold water and mild soap. Air dry.
#13
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Lebanon Missouri
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I've never had problems with any quilt fabric's bleeding but I have with one red hooded sweatshirt -which has become my Clem's favorite blankie and after 3 yrs it still bleeds. I've even taken it out back and boiled it in strong bleach water it bleeds but it does not seem to fade.
#16
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Location: Quebec, Canada
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