kisstink

ok i have a box of fabric i got from a church about a year ago and its pretty old stuff 1970-1967 fabric and old feed bags too.. but i dont know how to go about to wash them or should i .. it smells old and some of the fabric still has tags on it there is like maybe 20 yards or so help please......

LeslieFrost

If the fabric has been stored in a damp place, then I'd wash it. Otherwise, I'd probably not wash it until it has been made into a quilt and completely finished. Butk then, I do not pre-wash any fabric, unless I have to for a swap here on the Board!

longerarmer

I would said wash it. On del, I'am useing fabic from the 1965. It is still good

ScrapQuilter

If the smell bothers you was it on delicate setting............... or just air it out.

I like Leslie don't was fabric as a rule......... unless I feel it is one that will bleed.

KerryK

If it just has an old musty smell, or maybe a cedar chest smell, perhaps you could toss it in the dryer with a dryer sheet and get rid of the smell without washing it? Or lay it out in the sunshine for a little while. Just a thought.

mighty

I always wash my fabric before using it but if you are afraid of damage I guess you could just air it out.

EasyPeezy

I would wash it not only for the smell but to see if it's still in good shape.
Add a cup of vinegar to the wash to remove that old musty smell.

kisstink

thank u all for the info .. i think i might wash on gentle ... and it does smell musty just years of old.. ....

BETTY62

I like to wash my older fabrics before using them in case they shrink like some of the fabric from the 60s and 70s did.

kisstink

i was afraid there is some twal fabric in the box very pretty and by the color im guessing old .. but the fab is all in real good shape ... im 2 years into quilting and didt realy know how to go about it .... so thank you all for the in put...