I was given some fabric that was really old. It stunk to high heaven. I loved the fabric though and wanted to do something with it. I took it and drenched it in Febreeze...let it sit outside to dry and then brought it in and used it. It has NOT been washed, but smells fresh and clean. As for the washing of the top...I do not recommend you wash it first. ( I did that with my great grandmother's Dresden Plate quilt top and ruined it.) Get it quilted first and then wash it in cold water with a color catcher and use some Febreeze and perhaps Woolite...I use regular detergent, but not in a large amount.
Originally Posted by
neraus
I bought a beautiful old handstiched star quilt top. Lots of half square triangles. The white fabric is muslin not sure what the red is. Very loose weave to it and starting to get small holes in it. Usually I don't wash old tops but not to beat around the bush this one smells. I have it laying on my desk outside. It is overcast so it shouldn't fade but hoping the fresh air helps it. I have no idea how colorfast the red is so my two concerns are that it will fade and run red all over. And will washing it aggravate the spots that have small holes? Will have bigger holes when it comes out of the wash? Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.