Originally Posted by bailey
I have done a search and read the opinions which seem to be mostly prewash fabric first. I do not wash my fabric first ( read lazy, lazy girl) but also have not had to wash any of my quilts yet either. Could anyone post a picture of their quilt after washing when none of the fabrics were prewashed before piecing the quilt? I am starting a new quilt today and need to decide if I will wash first or not. The quilt I will be starting has applique and embroidery both along with the piecing.
Thanks to anyone that can help me make up my mind ( or a lot of days - find my mind). Please help me decide....
My avatar was NOT pre-washed and has been washed a at least twice since completion about 9 years ago. I pre-washed once and will NEVER do it again as my fabric frayed away unbelievably. This was many many years ago. It's seems to be very divided. Many of us don't pre-wash but many do. I suspect it's a matter of personal preference. I DON'T like working with prewashed fabric at all. I prefer to have it straight from the shop while it has some body and is easier to work with - again, personal preference. I hand quilt and love the puffy look that happens when I do wash my quilt after completion. Many prefer the flat look so much that they even iron them - again, personal preference.
Since you don't know, you can try washing fabric for a project, work with it and see what you think and decide for yourself. It's completely a personal preference issue. Mine is NOT to prewash. After dragging my quilts around hand quilting, I do wash upon completion before giving to the recipient. This is my quilt that was NOT prewashed and has been washed a few times in the past 9 years. Everyone who sees it say it's beautiful.
Patty