Thread: Would you prewash 1/4 yard cuts?

I would wash by hand, gently washing in the sink, then ironing dry; or put them in a pillowcase and wash in your washing machine. I like to prewash all my fabrics, however, I do not wash anything smaller than 1/4 yd. cuts.

I'd swish them in sink of warm water to which I'd add a cup of vinegar, 1/4 cup salt and 1/4 laundry detergent. Supposedly it's the vinegar that stops the bleeding. I have found it 70% successful on all fabrics except really dark ones. Those need a few times through this sink solution. Hang dry lest you lose anything from raveling.

If you want to wash them to remove the chemicals and get out the excess dye then go ahead. If the fabrics shrink to the point there is not enough of a fabric then consider what that would have done after your quilt is made. I have to wash all my new fabrics and if I had one shrink to that extent I would rather know it before the quilt is sewn than after.

I buy 1/4 yard pieces from time to time and have no problems washing them. You can put them in a mesh bag or pillow case, I just throw them in the washer. I have put a jelly roll in the mesh bags because it makes it easier get them out without stretching. I do have a salad spinner for those charm packs. For drying the 1/4 pieces or larger go in the dryer, the smaller or thinner cuts I partially dry in a mesh bag and then line dry the rest of the way (or iron them dry if I want them sooner).

I zig zag or serge all of the raw edges, so that the fabric doesn't ravel and cause a mess in the washer. I would at least 3-4 Color Catchers.

By the way, I meant to add that will be a beautiful quilt! Enjoy!