Quiltingboard Forums - View Single Post - Pre-washing fabric questions

06-05-2008, 06:37 AM

#2

zyxquilts

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Join Date: Dec 2006

Location: So. California

Posts: 3,769

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMarie

Good morning,

I pre-washed some fabric for the first time last night (for a swap that requires it) and have some quesitons for everyone:

- What can I do to stop the sides from fraying? I've read about clipping corners, zig-zag, washing on gentle... is there anything else? I lost a good 1/2 inch of fabric from fraying... I can't imagine what it would do to a fat quarter. :(

- If I use starch when I press the fabrics after drying, will they regain their crispness (one of the reasons I never have prewashed is that I really like the crispness of the fabric when piecing).

- Would just soaking the fabric count as washing for a swap?

Thank you in advance for your wisdom! :)

I have had some luck with clipping the corners off...but it didn't always work for me. :( I have some friends that serge the edges before they wash - I think the zigzag would be the same - and they don't ravel.
I wouldn't wash a FQ in the washer, but I think if you washed it in the sink or a big bowl, that would work (and count! lol)
To get that pre-wash crispness back, you could use either spray starch or spray sizing. Sizing is what's on it when it's new.

Good luck! :D

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