Originally Posted by SandyinZ4
Wanted to ask if this has happened to any of you before. When I finished working on my latest effort of FMQ the other day, I noticed that there was a residue the same color as my backing fabric on the edges of my sewing machine where the fabric moved across. It came off with some elbow grease and a bit of WD-40. But I was just wondering if any of you have had this happen when you are machine quilting? I was thinking perhaps it might be better to wash the fabric first to get the sizing or whatever it is out and perhaps it would go more smoothly as I am sliding it around. Any thoughts?
ITA that I'd be worried if the colour has been coming off onto your machine, that you may have problems when you go to wash the whole quilt.
I'd sooner find that out before I put all the work into sewing something ... than to ruin a quilt after the fact.
Prewash and "abuse" (ie hot wash and hot dryer) it all upfront to avoid disappointments later is my rule of thumb!