Originally Posted by
Rubesgirl
Since the LQS told me not to prewash, I haven't been doing it. My DD washed my GS's quilt with the color catcher and, fortunately, it did not run or bleed. After reading this post, I think I will prewash my mid to dark colors and definitely do the Q-tip test (brilliant!) on all my colors. I do have a couple of questions, though: how do you keep the fabric from fraying and tangling in the washer and, after washing, do you starch your fabric before cutting, since there is no sizing left in it. Also, if you starch, what kind of starch is recommended? Thanks, I'm still learning!
I use pinking shears on the cut ends to help prevent fraying. It doesen't prevent it all, but it does help. I do prewash almost everything with detergent and color catchers. I just made an OhioStar in red and white and had to wash the reds 4 times before the color catcher didn't pick up any more color. Better there then after all the work and quilting!!