I bought a quilt kit to make a child's quilt approximately 60" X 45". In the kit was a panel & various shapes & sizes of corresponding fabric. I made the mistake of NOT washing the fabric first!

Anyway, while piecing, I noticed there was a variation of the type of fabric included. Some pieces were of a lower quality with lesser thread count. I am afraid of what it will look like (shrinkage) if I machine quilt then wash afterward. Plus I am now putting fray check on all the seams due to much raveling!

Can I wash the quilt top on a hand wash setting in the washer in hot water with Retayne for 20 minutes or a warm water with the shout color catcher for less time? Would you help me on this before I really make a BIG boo boo?

Patti

I have not put a top through a complete wash, but I have put them through the rinse cycle with no problems.

STEP AWAY FROM THE MACHINE.

PUT THE QUILT DOWN.

Do not wash a quilt top before it's quilted.

It's not that it will all fall apart, but it will be a mess to iron again, as the seam allowances are all over the place, and frayed.

The fact that you think some fabrics might shrink at a different rate than others won't be solved. They'll shrink, but wouldn't be stabilized by anything.

Actually, you'll have more control over the shrinking if it's washed after it's quilted.

That would be my advice also!

I agree with every one! If you have concerns regarding bleeding use Sythropol and color catchers. Do test some of the scraps to see how much of an issue it really is.
Retayne should be used prior to cutting.

Absolutely agree. Qulting may actually help equalize any differences.

I am glad I rinsed mine without asking, or I probably would not have tried. lol

There's a lot at stake when you're washing a finished quilt top, so I would definitely use a product that stabilizes the colors if there is a question.

Me thinks you were lucky! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Do not wash your quilt top.Wash it when its done quilted and bind it. As the girls say step away from your washer.