Originally Posted by Fabricnut
I just read all the logs on washing FQ before using them. I guess I better start washing fabric before cutting it. But do you wash the completed quilt once it is finished? How do you do that if you do? How do you dry the quilt if washed? I just finished 2 quilts. Thanks you your input.
I don't prewash fabric (except for flannel, which I prewash and dry twice before using). If I suspect a fabric might bleed, I test it with some water before using. In my experience, normal amounts of quilting stabilize fabrics enough so that they won't shrink disproportionately.
I always wash a quilt for the first time in Synthrapol. Synthrapol suspends any unset dye particles in the water so it is rinsed away instead of settling into other fabrics. My quilts are made to be used, so I machine wash and dry as I do other things.
Synthrapol is inexpensive and widely available in quilt shops or online. Amazon has it now.