Thread: Have you used the Hobbs Tuscany silk batting?

I'm looking for batting that I can pre-wash for shrinkage, but that will come out softer and lighterweight than W&N after quilting. (I'm not worried about pre-shrinking the wool bats, because the anticipated shrinkage for those is minimal if washed in cold and air dried).

I received a Hobbs Tuscany silk bat in the mail yesterday. Both Hobbs and Quilters' Dream discourage pre-washing of their batting, but I was determined to pre-wash this, so I would know if it's a batting I'll be able to work with. The problem is, I didn't think to spread it out on the floor beforehand, so I don't have anything to compare the finished result with.

I proceeded with extreme caution, taking care to always support the weight of the bat when wet. I think it may have stretched some, as when I laid it out on the floor after drying, the edges were somewhat ruffled in places. My question is, to anyone who has used this batting, did it lie perfectly flat from the package, or were the edges somewhat ruffled to start with?

What batting other than W&N have you had success pre-washing for shrinkage, and what method did you use?

My reason for pre-washing is to try and minimize the crinkle effect that comes from the batting shrinking after quilting. This bat measured the same width before washing as after, but was two inches shorter. If most bats do have wavy edges to begin with, then I guess there was no harm done in this case. I suppose I'd have to make two quilts using the same batting, one pre-washed and one not, to see if it makes enough difference to be worth the effort.

Thanks for your replies!

Originally Posted by joe'smom

My reason for pre-washing is to try and minimize the crinkle effect that comes from the batting shrinking after quilting. This bat measured the same width before washing as after, but was two inches shorter. If most bats do have wavy edges to begin with, then I guess there was no harm done in this case. I suppose I'd have to make two quilts using the same batting, one pre-washed and one not, to see if it makes enough difference to be worth the effort.

Thanks for your replies!

You are not alone in prewashing your batting! I shrink mine (esp. the W&N) and if I am using flannel that I have pre-shrunk. I had one quilt which neither the batting nor the flannel was pre-washed/shrunk and it shrunk up so much, I hated it and felt like I had ruined it. It is all a matter of what we like or don't (or opinions!)

....never even considered "washing" batting.......that is carrying to the extreme...... If packaged batt has lots of wrinkles I would just open, drape over several chairs, couch, whatever overnite and proceed.....I personally lay over the rods of my L/A overnite........my own......I buy W&N by roll so there is only the center fold....eased out when quilting.....