Fabric shrank-- before my eyes!
#21
When I started quilting, I pre-washed everything. Then so many folks said it was unnecessary that I stopped -- unless it was a vivid color that I was afraid would bleed. Or if I was going to use it for applique. Well, after today's phenomenon, it's back to pre-washing!
#22
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Here's the thing. Quilting prevents fabric from shrinking. Sewing it to the batting and backing stabilizes it. They can all shrink together, but one cannot shrink way more than another.
100% cotton batting, which is what antique quilts were made with, could not be prewashed. That is why antique quilts are crinkled; the batting usually shrinks about 3%. If you like the crinkled look, as I do, there is no need to prewash fabric for shrinkage.
In other words, fabric shrinks differently when it is washed by itself and when it is washed in a quilt that has already been quilted with reasonable closeness.
Starching *before* cutting instead of after takes care of keeping the pieces the correct cut sizes for piecing together.
In my opinion, the only reasons to prewash fabric are (1) to stabilize the dyes in a bleeder fabric, and (2) if you like a flat, modern look to your quilts. In the latter case, prewashing fabrics should be combined with a poly batting to prevent the usual 3% shrinkage of primarily cotton battings.
100% cotton batting, which is what antique quilts were made with, could not be prewashed. That is why antique quilts are crinkled; the batting usually shrinks about 3%. If you like the crinkled look, as I do, there is no need to prewash fabric for shrinkage.
In other words, fabric shrinks differently when it is washed by itself and when it is washed in a quilt that has already been quilted with reasonable closeness.
Starching *before* cutting instead of after takes care of keeping the pieces the correct cut sizes for piecing together.
In my opinion, the only reasons to prewash fabric are (1) to stabilize the dyes in a bleeder fabric, and (2) if you like a flat, modern look to your quilts. In the latter case, prewashing fabrics should be combined with a poly batting to prevent the usual 3% shrinkage of primarily cotton battings.
#23
>>In my opinion, the only reasons to prewash fabric are (1) to stabilize the dyes in a bleeder fabric, and (2) if you like a flat, modern look to your quilts. In the latter case, prewashing fabrics should be combined with a poly batting to prevent the usual 3% shrinkage of primarily cotton battings.
Add a 3rd reason. To remove all the nasty chemicals used in the manufacturing process rather than touching/breathing them.
Add a 3rd reason. To remove all the nasty chemicals used in the manufacturing process rather than touching/breathing them.
#24
It's making my brain hurt! I have been told it is not necessary to prewash. Now I am concerned about all my projects sitting the in the bins waiting to be quilted. I guess I will not either prewash or starch before cutting. Thanks for the info.
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Somewhere in Time
Posts: 2,697
Originally Posted by justwannaquilt
Starch and press BEFORE you cut. I never prewash, I have seen some fabrics shrink as I am spraying them with starch! I always starch before cutting for this exact reason. Wasting expensive fabric!
#26
Originally Posted by JackieG
Lots of great advice here. All worth reading. Never imagined a piece shrinking before your eyes. That would ruin everything.
#28
Someone mentioned that she had purchased fabric at a quilt shop and found out later it was a blend. I thought that was the whole point of "quilt" shop - 100% cotton fabric. When I shop LQS I don't look at the fabric content like I do at Walmart or even Hancocks or Hobby Lobby. Maybe I shouldn't be so trusting.
#29
Originally Posted by justwannaquilt
I never prewash.. Wasting expensive fabric!
Wash - dry without fabric softener - iron (and starch if needed)-cut and sew.
#30
Originally Posted by erstan947
I had a same experience. I went back to the quilt shop and read the bolt end. Sure enough....it had a high percent poly and the heat from the iron shrank it. I adjusted my seams to compensate for the 1/4 inch loss and finished the top. I have yet to quilt it. Guess this one will stay here....the dogs will appreciate it.
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