caution - extreme shrinkage!
#21
Was that the Warm and Natural all cotton? Just wondering I'm ready to purchase "something" for a top I just pieced. I would never have thought to wash the batting prior to quilting. Is that something that should be done on a regular basis?
OK, on re-reading your post you stated backing and not batting.
So sorry for confusion.
OK, on re-reading your post you stated backing and not batting.
So sorry for confusion.
#22
Originally Posted by ranger
I've never used a sheet for a backing...at least not on a big quilt. What thread count do you use? Any special brand? Thanks for any help.
If you are with the quilt police, please do not write to me, I do not care if you do not like this. I make quality things with quality workmanship and am proud of what I do.
I have heard many say that it is difficult to hand quilt through sheets, but I FMS so it is not an issue for me.
#24
Originally Posted by Pam
Originally Posted by ranger
I've never used a sheet for a backing...at least not on a big quilt. What thread count do you use? Any special brand? Thanks for any help.
If you are with the quilt police, please do not write to me, I do not care if you do not like this. I make quality things with quality workmanship and am proud of what I do.
I have heard many say that it is difficult to hand quilt through sheets, but I FMS so it is not an issue for me.
No Quilt Police Allowed!!! I say sew with whatever makes you happy!!!
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: MS
Posts: 3,434
I am just so glad you pre-shrunk! You would have been jumping up and down if you had made the quilt and then washed the fabric the first time. Oooooohhhhhhh! I am sorry it shrunk but I am glad you knew before you sewed.
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: New York State, but I will always be Canadian!
Posts: 933
Joann's should take the fabric back. I once bought a pack of fat quarters. When I sprayed the fabric with water to iron it, you could see it shrinking on the ironing board...alot. I took them back and they gave me my money back no questions asked.
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
Originally Posted by Pam
Originally Posted by ranger
I've never used a sheet for a backing...at least not on a big quilt. What thread count do you use? Any special brand? Thanks for any help.
If you are with the quilt police, please do not write to me, I do not care if you do not like this. I make quality things with quality workmanship and am proud of what I do.
I have heard many say that it is difficult to hand quilt through sheets, but I FMS so it is not an issue for me.
#28
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Snohomish WA
Posts: 884
In fairness to JoAnn's, the manager did agree that losing 16" in width was really excessive shrinkage, that I could bring it back and they'd write it off as damaged goods. But since I'll never wash it again in hot water, she said it should be safe now after the two hot-water washings and regular dryings in the clothes dryer.
What do you think? Just wash it in cold water [eventually]?
Will washing in cold water also prevent the Warm & Natural batting from shrinking? Dry on low heat to minimize wrinkling?
I love this board -- so much wisdom from so much experience.
Thanks, everyone!
What do you think? Just wash it in cold water [eventually]?
Will washing in cold water also prevent the Warm & Natural batting from shrinking? Dry on low heat to minimize wrinkling?
I love this board -- so much wisdom from so much experience.
Thanks, everyone!
#29
I have had flannel shrink that much so I always pre-wash it.
Flannel excluded, I find just pressing the backing with a hot iron shrinks it enough for me to get it squared and loaded on the frame. I like the wrinkly look so my top isn't usually pre-washed either.
I have had some really thin & loosely woven fabrics shrivel up when I press them out so I know right away not to use them until they have been pre-washed. Muslin especially has very different thread counts. You can't always go be the "feel", either because sizing and starch makes the thin fabric feel thicker. Holding it up to the light is the only way I know to check it before getting in the cutting line.
Flannel excluded, I find just pressing the backing with a hot iron shrinks it enough for me to get it squared and loaded on the frame. I like the wrinkly look so my top isn't usually pre-washed either.
I have had some really thin & loosely woven fabrics shrivel up when I press them out so I know right away not to use them until they have been pre-washed. Muslin especially has very different thread counts. You can't always go be the "feel", either because sizing and starch makes the thin fabric feel thicker. Holding it up to the light is the only way I know to check it before getting in the cutting line.
#30
Perhaps if my quilts were exquisitly beautiful and I had plans to enter them in shows, then I probably would not use sheets for backing. However, I make them to be used and make them because I enjoy doing so. Most of them time I use 200 thread count. I do have some that are higher and will try them in the future. I bought them at a great price on sale. I guess the quilt police will have to add me to their list as well. Bottom line, if you are making your own quilts, quilting them yourself and have no problems doing so, what difference does anyone else's opinion matter????
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