Help! 100% cotton muslin backing
10-25-2011, 02:15 PM
#1
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Location: Lakeland FL
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I’m getting ready to back a 50" x 70" lap quilt and checked the bolt of 100% cotton white muslin that I bought a while ago. It seemed stiff, so I thought I would prewash it, but the label says “line dry”. So, I’m assuming if I put it in the dryer, it will shrink (a lot?). What would you do? Would you cut 3 yds. - wash it and put it in the dryer; wash it and line dry it; or just iron it and hope for the best? Is 3 yds. enough to cut for this size quilt?
10-25-2011, 02:23 PM
#5
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Location: S. Dakota
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If it's going to shrink, I would rather have it do it BEFORE I use it in my quilt. So I would wash it and put it in the dryer.
Is it regular width (44"?) If so, you will need to sew two pieces together. Since you're not sure how much it will shrink, I'd probably cut about 3-1/4 yards. Before allowing for shrinkage, you will end up with a backing of about 58" x 84". If you think it might shrink a lot, AND you're having a longarmer quilt it (we like 6 - 8" larger for the backing), then I would cut a 3-1/2 yard piece.
Is it regular width (44"?) If so, you will need to sew two pieces together. Since you're not sure how much it will shrink, I'd probably cut about 3-1/4 yards. Before allowing for shrinkage, you will end up with a backing of about 58" x 84". If you think it might shrink a lot, AND you're having a longarmer quilt it (we like 6 - 8" larger for the backing), then I would cut a 3-1/2 yard piece.
10-25-2011, 02:29 PM
#7
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Location: S. W. Indiana
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Originally Posted by Suedon
I’m getting ready to back a 50" x 70" lap quilt and checked the bolt of 100% cotton white muslin that I bought a while ago. It seemed stiff, so I thought I would prewash it, but the label says “line dry”. So, I’m assuming if I put it in the dryer, it will shrink (a lot?). What would you do? Would you cut 3 yds. - wash it and put it in the dryer; wash it and line dry it; or just iron it and hope for the best? Is 3 yds. enough to cut for this size quilt?
Question???????????? How wide is your fabric? That will determine how much you need for a backing. If it's +/- 45", you'll have to decide how you want to splice it.
If you're into being consertative, I'd cut two lengths of 5' long, then sew 5' sides together after washing for a +/- 5' by +8' piece.
If it's wide backing fabric, you might lay your quilt sideway and only cut a 5' length.
I'd wash it in as hot a water as I could get then machine dry in hot. Get it shrunk now, not later. Maybe even two hot washes.
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