I wash
everything that can be washed before using it. Fabric, batting, trims -
For the last few years, I have started soaking things (like colors together) in hot water in a sink or some other container before then
gently washing them by machine. DH does give me the old eye roll when every kettle in the house has fabric soaking in it.
He has learned to keep his comments to a minimum and I have learned that he wants a clear place at the table to set a plate while he eats.
https://www.colorwaysbyvicki.com/upl...edingquilt.pdf
Because:
I prefer a flat look -
Fabric and other components do not shrink at the same rate --
I do not want to deal with another bleeder - I have learned that almost
any intense color - yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, turquoise, green, chartreuse, black, brown - can be a bleeder. If it's going to bleed, I want to know
before it is incorporated into an item --
I want to know what the fabric is like when it is "naked/au naturel" - is it wrinkly, floppy, stiff? Still off-grain? How much sizing did it have?
I have measured hundreds of pieces of fabric before and after "washing" - "just because" - For me, the exercise of washing before cutting is worth the effort - and it is a bit of an effort. I am as eager to "get to the fun part" as anyone else.
I also wash small pieces of fabric before using them - I think if a large piece has characteristics that require washing, so does a small piece of fabric cut from the same bolt.
I also think that excessive agitation and/or crowding of the fabric in the machines while washing and drying them is what will give new fabrics that "used/old" look.
I want to have the fabrics be able to tolerate washing by someone that will "just throw the quilt in the wash".
The quilts I make are for fairly hard use - I expect them to get grubby. However, they are not meant for someone using them as an oil catcher.
I do fear burns, bleach, and tears.
I also overcast the raw edges of most of the fabrics before getting them wet. That also saves time - and fabric - in the long run. I would rather lose about 1/8 inch on each end then deal with the raveling and fraying that can happen with raw edges.