I went to lqs and bought this cute purse pattern. It called for jelly rolls. I bought a roll of Moda that were pinked. I never bought a jelly roll before. The pattern said to wash them 1st since they were 100% cotton so I made a dumb mistake by putting them in the washer. N ow I have this huge blob of strips and don't know what to do. Has anyone else ever done this. Any suggestions? They were expensive. They are in this pile on a cutting mat.

Well, that is called "live and learn" and we've all been there, lol. You can untangle one, iron it and see if it is still useable or you can use them for string quilts.

Never wash the small cuts of fabrics.....sorry you didn't ask first. Am sure it is heartbreaking.

Try writing to them. Since the directions say to wash...maybe they will replace them.

I have used several jelly rolls in quilts and projects and I have never pre washed - never had any problems - I sympathize with you - just take it slow and you will get it.

I also don't pre-wash jelly rolls. Sorry you had this problem!
I would also notify Moda since the instructions said to wash them.

I did the same thing...I even put them in a small lingerie bag hoping they would be ok....I was able to salvage some..so sorry. I know they are expensive...

Who said to wash first? I rarely wash first any more anything.

Thanks. I wasn't going to wash them but the purse pattern said to prewash and press first so I did. I love the colors and $35 is alot of money I think. I haven't been a member here too long but I wished I would have read more and then this wouldn't have happened.

The purse pattern is called #345 Ashley from Sew Unique Creations

aaaawww, sorry! It sure looks like a mess when they come out, huh? I like the idea of calling and seeing what they'll do. Take the time to cut them apart and iron them. Maybe there is enough salvagable to continue. Lesson #1....check!

I think I will call them tomorrow and see what they have to say.

i dont pre wash unless i have to for swap

I washed a load of scraps the other day, went in the washer a large flat rate box full and came out of the dryer filling a 30 gal trash bag. They had to be washed as they were old scraps I got for 1.99 plus shipping and they smelled. My plan tonight is to sit and press them all. I feel your pain although I didn't spend much.

Well I called Moda and she said it's not their pattern. She suggested I email the pattern company and tell them and see if they will do anything. She said their fabric shrinks very little and that is why they never recommend prewashing.
So I did and will wait and see if I hear from them. I learned the hard way.

I did contact the company and got a reply. She said it is recommended to wash jelly rolls and honey buns because of shrinkage but it's by personal choice. She asked me how long I have been quilting. She said there's nothing she can do for me even tho it's their pattern.

I'm so sorry about this - I feel your pain! As quilters, we are always learning something new. Chalk it up to "live and learn" and move forward. At least in your misery you have plenty of company since we've all been there in way or another. ;)

oh no!!! I'm so sorry that happened to you.

I agree, jelly rolls are expensive. :(

That is awful. :( I think I'd write back and ask them to explain how they manage to wash a jelly roll without it getting all wonky and messed up. And then tell them they should add that method to their patterns.

I'm really surprised that a pattern would specify jelly roll strips AND THEN SAY TO WASH THEM! I did that once for a very specific reason and I spent untold time unraveling them and ironing them.

I don't wash pre-cuts at all. If I use other fabric with them it's usually from the same fabric collection, like a border print, and I don't wash that either.

thanks everyone for your replies. I like the 1 Gale said about writing back and ask to explain how you manage to wash a jelly roll without it getting all wonked up and messed up. That made me smile anyway.