Originally Posted by Lady Crafter
Originally Posted by Morningcoffeegal
I wash my fabric before making a quilt for 3 reasons:
1. remove any sizing or treatment that the fabric may have
2. to make sure its colorfast( if it runs or bleeds or fades I want to know beforehand)
3. shrinkage
What she ^^ said! :D :D And I use a Shout color catcher sheet ALWAYS!
All that and the chemicals. I wash small pieces in the sink, the salad spinner is a great idea. I always put them in the dryer to to see if they are going to shrink. I do not starch until I am ready to use the fabric. However I was told by a quilt teacher that I should use sizing because it doesn't attract critters. That is why I wait to starch. I love the starch because it helps make the fabric behave, great when matching seams.
You can use the color catchers over again. If I have a full load I put a 2-3 of the catchers in.