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Another vote for skip the pre-wash. If you have to starch and size it back up after washing what is the point?
Don't shoot! :):D

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe'smom (Post 6859690)

I pre-wash all fabrics in warm water, because I prefer working with clean (chemical-free) fabric, and because I don't like the idea of fabric shrinking unevenly after it's been sewn together; that seems potentially problematic to me. I don't pre-test my fabric for bleeding, though I think that's a good idea. I do group my fabrics for color when pre-washing, and use a color catcher for most loads (and they do often come out with quite a bit of color in them.) I dry the fabric in the dryer, then hand press and fold for storage. I press the fabric before cutting, using Best Press.

This is pretty much exactly what I do, too, except that I TRY to remember to pull the fabric out of the dryer when it's still just a touch damp, and I drape it over a stand-up clothes dryer thing in my sewing room. Especially with long yardage - my machines like to twist up longer pieces of fabric and if it dries with those creases it takes way too much work to get them back out again.

Wow, I'm surprised that so far the majority pre-washes. I had never heard of a "color catcher" before. I also especially like the idea of dipping in boiling water to test. Also, the point of washing away chemicals is reason enough for me to pre-wash. My son has sensitive skin so if for no other reason, that is good enough.

I preWash all dark color fabric yardage. I preWash light colors sometimes if I have the time and energy. If i do preWash I iron with spray starch before using. I rarely use precuts but if I do I never preWash them..

Quote:

Originally Posted by ube quilting (Post 6859720)

I do pre- wash every fabric with just a little detergent and no softener, gentle/ short cycle.

Either dry in machine on low setting or hang outside (weather).

I do not iron fabric at this point but straighten and fold it and put into stock shelf.

I double starch on back, press on front ( starch & press - starch & press). I do this after I cut the amount I want to use off the main length of fabric. It just makes it easier to handle. Re fold the main piece and place in basket that goes with project. I like to keep all my fabrics for one project together in case I want to cut more.

I also don't like to cut out an entire quilt at one time. What if I cut it all wrong!

After the starch& press I will begin to sub cut the fabric into the pieces I need for the project.

Why do I do this? It really does make the fabric easier to handle, controls fraying and distortion. The number one reason is because I like to play with fabric. It is all part of the joy of making a quilt. There is a meditation and calmness in doing these acts as part of the creative process. I love it.

peace

Thank you for the tips on how to starch and press. Also your reminder to embrace the entire process as meditation is encouraging.

Do an experiment. Take a yard of printed cotton. Measure both the length and width. Machine wash & dry. I have found that if you put a yard in, you get a yard out BUT it almost always shrinks width of fabric. Sometimes a half inch, sometimes almost 2. I prewash everything. Prints shrink and Batiks bleed. I am also a starcher. 1/2 StaFlo, 1/2 water, dip the fabric, dry till damp, then iron.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueSew (Post 6859725)

Another vote for skip the pre-wash. If you have to starch and size it back up after washing what is the point?
Don't shoot! :):D

Me, too (though I have been known to wash heavily dyed flannel and batik--usually red ones).

Like others, I pre-wash. I have allergies and develop a cough if I don't. Washer/dryer, just as I expect the quilt will be washed, so hopefully, no further shrinking. To be honest, I use good fabric and I've yet to have significant shrinking except with flannel. I hand press out of the dryer, then iron and press with starch before cutting. It gives the fabric a bit more body and makes it easier to work with.

Welcome to the board.

I prewash if I am making a garment, for example a jacket. However for a quilt seldom. I read once that a gal prewashed and she snipped on the diagonal one corner to mark the fabric it had been washed.

The only thing I've pre washed is flannel, and maybe something from a garage sale if it isn't "fresh" smelling. So far I haven't had any problems. I'm not a starcher. I have Best Press, Niagara, and the old discontinued Bounce. They don't do much for me. That being said, I don't do intricate quilts, mostly patchwork or strips.

Also, to the OP, we have a search function you might try using as a start to your questions and then go from there. I'm pretty sure the wash vs. no wash has been discussed a bunch of times. And still no consensus!!!