to wash first or not
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Posts: 149
to wash first or not
I purchased backing for my king sized quilt in a 108" x 4.5 yd. piece of muslin. I dread having to iron this large piece of muslin if I wash it first. Any problems with too much shrinkage if I don't wash it first?
Last edited by JANNY; 11-28-2016 at 04:51 PM.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Tulsa, Ok
Posts: 4,582
I understand your dread of that ironing chore. However, in my experience there are many grades of muslin and some shrink a lot!! I would much rather get the shrinking done before I invested all the time in quilting it. Too much of a risk for me. But I do prefer less shrinking/crinkling in my finished quilts than more.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,644
I bought legacy muslin from joann. Nice quality. 90 inches length shrank to 85 inches in length. This muslin did not shrink in width.
I had "pre- shrunk" roc- lon shrink a lot when i washed it. I do not remember the exact numbers now.
I measure most of my fabrics befor and after washing.
I had "pre- shrunk" roc- lon shrink a lot when i washed it. I do not remember the exact numbers now.
I measure most of my fabrics befor and after washing.
#7
I understand your dread of that ironing chore. However, in my experience there are many grades of muslin and some shrink a lot!! I would much rather get the shrinking done before I invested all the time in quilting it. Too much of a risk for me. But I do prefer less shrinking/crinkling in my finished quilts than more.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Posts: 9,475
I would suggest you wash it. Muslin especially shrinks and you don't want to be disappointed if you don't wash it and put it on the back of your quilt which I am sure you put alot of time and effort into and have it shrink up. Good Luck.
#10
I prewash 99% of my fabric, including all my backing - and never had to iron any of it. I put a large 100% cotton towel in the dryer, dry on mid-low heat and take out as soon as it's dry, which isn't all that long.
I find with backing, ones it's washed it relaxes and is more straight of grain. Some of it gets quite stretched out of shape when folded at the factory.
I find with backing, ones it's washed it relaxes and is more straight of grain. Some of it gets quite stretched out of shape when folded at the factory.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post