Can I Wait to Wash Black and White Quilt Fabric
I usually pre-wash my fabric, but then the quilts do not shrink and crinkle very much. I really like the crinkly look so I'm debating not prewashing this time. I use Warm and Natural batting.
I'm going to make a bed size quilt of blocks with blacks, gray and whites. I've bought different yardage and a layer cake from different sources. So far, none of it stinks or has excess chemicals in it that is detectable by smell. It's all new fabric though so I'm sure it has some.
I would like to wait to wash it till I'm done quilting it, but then I'm afraid the whites will get dark or even turn gray.
Has anyone washed a completed Black and White quilt safely, with color catchers?
If I DO pre-wash the fabric and do not dry it will I still get the desired shrinking when the quilt is complete?
What if I wash just the blacks?
If I do wash will I get enough of the loose dye out if I just use cold water?