Originally Posted by weezie
On 2 quilts where I used Bali pre-cut strips, I did not wash the fabric first, knowing that some of the batik colors would run. When I finished the tops, I machine basted wide, inexpensive muslin all around the quilt top edges and then washed (gently) with color catchers. After laundering, I removed the muslin; the seam allowances were intact and the muslin prevented unwanted threads from escaping into my washing machine.
Okay, this sounds like the plan of action I need to take. But the only muslin I have is some nice, really soft stuff that I plan on using for a backing at some point for a cuddle quilt so I guess I need to hit the store for some cheaper stuff. Couple of questions; you just basted around all four edges right? Did you just wash on a gentle cycle? And finally what about drying? Did you dry in a dryer, or just hang to dry?