lynn7448

When making the fabric bowls using clothesline and fabric strips, is it better to prewash the fabric or just use it as is. My thought is to use as is because it would be stiffer, but maybe that would create problems when wrapping. I know you all will have the answer, as you are such a knowledgeable and sharing group.

Quilter7x

I made one recently and used fabric from my stash, which is all washed. I'm not sure there's a correct answer to this, it's probably more user preference.

auntmag

Same here.

ckcowl

it does not matter- if you already pre-wash your fabrics it is fine to use them- if you never pre-wash-then don't bother now- the reason for pre-washing is shrinkage and color bleeding- unless you plan to wash your projects neither case should be an issue.

crt

I agree. I've made several, and haven't bothered to prewash.

quilting in my60s

I was making these back in the late 1980's and just used scraps and it I had to wash the fabric bowls I just filled the sink with water and Woolite and swished it around and set it on some towels to dry. I recently read that it you cut strips on the bias they would wind around the clothesline rope smoothly.

lynn7448

Do you all cut bias strips or just salvage to salvage strips?

gramacheri

I've made them both ways. I did kind of like the look of one I did that had been washed and had a little fray showing. Just gave the bowl an additional dimension.

quilting in my60s

I have also just torn the strips, about 1 inch wide to give basket the "raggey" or country look.

Neena

I don't prewash fabric and just cut or tear the fabric in strips. Saw a demo a couple of weeks ago at a quilt event and she used a dab of glue stick to attached the ends of each strip to the clothesline while wrapping. I had never done that before...just wrapped it tight. They are fun to make! Found some turquoise Cheetah Girl fabric on clearance at a local fabric store for 99 cents a yard so I will be making some turquoise baskets shortly!