I got one of those kits to make a quilt for my grandson. Its a Cars quilt, all the pieces are pre cut and backing is there also. Now question is, do I prewash. I know it will get a lot of washing at home, otherwise wouldn't worry about it if it was a wall hanging or whatever. Sure appreciate all the help you can give me. Thanks

Rita

No! Pre-cut pieces could ravel when you wash. Usually, if it is of any quality, a kit takes into consideration the shrinkage rate, and fading, and expects you to make the quilt before washing. Post a pic when you are done, okay?

I agree.....I think if you prewashed (besides the fraying problem) each piece may shrink differently and then wouldn't match up also... would love to see it when you are done! I have wanted to get some of that cars fabric since I saw the movie!

Thank you, I knew someone would be able to answer this right away. Thank you thank you thank you. I would have hated to do something stupid to his quilt, its for his birthday... I don't know how to post a picture but will try when its done.

Thanks.

Rita

I'm with Norah on this one - don't wash. You might consider steam pressing the pieces - if there is going to be shrink in the fabrics of your kit - steam should certainly take care of it. - Happy Quilting - Sally

Thank you so much everyone for replying to my question. I have never made a quilt from a kit, but its a car quilt and what he wants, so what can I say. Grandmas... Thank you again, I will take your advice.

Rita

I would like to take a moment to talk about precut kits. If the pieces are precut, they are cut to the size they need to be. Anything you do to them will change their size and shape, therefore DO NOT wash, wet, steam press prior to or during the piecing process. If you want to press seams, do not use steam, as it will distort your pieces. This is a cautionary tale, and one that will prove costly. Most of these kits are cut using some sort of laser method and do not allow for shrinkage prior to piecing. Once the quilt is pieced and quilted, you can then wash it. If there is any shrinkage at that point, it will not matter as the quilting will prevent any major distortion.

Boo,
How is the problem of fading or shrinking addressed with kits then? Is the kit maker held responsible for selling something that shrinks or fades?

I have so far avoided kits for the inability of washing the fabrics. My normal procedure is to buy it, serge the ends, test the color for fading using a corning ware dish filled with warm water and a few drops of laundry soap, and toss it in the washer - then the dryer. I iron it using spray starch on the back of the fabric and it's in my collection.

Kits have made me very nervous because I occasionally find a good (quilt shop quality ) fabric that fades or shrinks. I'd be more than just a little angry if I bought it - assembled it. And then found out that one or more pieces faded or shrunk.

Playing devils advocate here - I doubt I'll ever change - the old dogs new tricks thing LOL

Happy Quilting - Sally