i am making my very first quilt...ever. its a baby quilt .here's my question... can i use grosgrain ribbon as seam binding and to connect patchwork segments? if not why?
my grandmother said ok if i wash it first. but i don't see anybody doing this ...is there a reason?...all my fabrics are cotton.
the pattern i'm following has small 1" strips between the patchwork pieces. but the ribbon is the same size and seems "tougher"...i want them to be able to wash it when needed without it falling apart.

thank you for all your help and advice.

beth ann in chattanooga

I don't see why not. Just sew as close to the edge as possible.

There are some very pretty and decorative ribbons available nowadays. I would not trim any of the long edges because of ravelling and you can use something like Fray-Check on the ends to keep those from ravelling also. Over time, those ends could come undone.

Grosgrain ribbon shrinks a lot so be sure to prewash.

Grograin ribbon sounds like a good idea! Please post pics when you get top done!

Welcome from Southern California. I have never used ribbon in my quilting that was going to be washed, only wall hangings so I can't help you. Someone here will help you, they are all so knowledgable and helpful!!!

I think that grossgrain ribbon is not 100% cotton ??? if you're going to use a mix in any given project you have to remember to expect the unexpected :-)

Ribbon doesn't cost that much - I'd buy a roll, take it off the spool, and wash/dry in a lingerie bag til it gets stable. You should be ok after that.

You would be better off to use the fabric in the quilt to bind .. There would be much puckering and pulling with the heavy grosgrain :( .. You could use it but I believe you would be much happier with self fabric :wink: binding ( easier to work with also)

How about making a pot-holder or place mat and bind it with the ribbon and throw it in the wash a couple of times.

I know that making test pieces/samples are kind of a bother, but if it works out well, you still have usable item, and if it's not the best idea one's ever had, one isn't out a whole lot of money and time.

As some of the others have already said, some ribbons shrink a LOT.