I bought a large home dec. sampler book at an estate sale today. The fabrics are all 100% cotton and state they're dry clean only. They have a slight Chintz sheen on them. They also say protected with scotch guard. I don't make bags and have no desire to. Would they bleed if washed normally or is the dry clean to make sure the scotch guard is intact or to protect the chintz sheen? I was thinking of using them in a quilt if I could wash them. Anyone ever buy one of these home dec. samplers and try washing the fabrics? I've got a good 30 panels to play with so I could always try sacrificing one to the washer and see what happens. But was hoping someone had already done the experiment:>

I used one of these sample books. I just washed them all in warm water, they do lose some sheen, and dried them in a hot dryer. The quilt washed up fine when done.

The dry clean instructions for use in decorating is because of the shrinkage and the coating for the sheen.

Did they bleed at all?

They were all pastels so I don't remember any bleeding. However you can just wash a few at a time throw in a color catcher sheet and see what happens. You can find the color catchers at most fabric stores.

About 1/2 of mine are pretty dark so that would be a must. I would actually prefer they lose the "shine".

Just wash them with a color catcher, just in case. I have used them for small projects and see no reason not to use them in a quilt! :D

Does anyone know if "scotch guard" will wash out(hopefully). I sort of cringe that chemicals are added to these fabrics. Maybe 2 washings??

2 washings probably wouldn't hurt. These cottons are a bit heavier than your normal quilting cottons (at least mine were) so chose larger simpler blocks. Experiment and see what works for you.

I use home decor fabrics for lots of things and have had no problems washing them.

Scotch Guard has written on the can, to use it seasonally, and to reapply after item is washed. I've only used it on light colored totes I knew would be used daily. Whenever tote got very dirty I'd wash tote and re-apply SG. Remember, the SG needs to dry completely before item can be used (4 hours).
On a fluke I just decided to check their website and found this "Did You Know" re: quilts: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...tions/101Ways/
In spite of their DYK, I don't think I'd use it on clothing or quilts because scotch guard is pretty toxic and I'd worry about children being in constant contact with it. AND SG even has a warning on their label to keep out of reach of children.