Help! Washing flannel
04-15-2016, 10:20 AM
#11
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
Quite honestly I would have a go at it without any prewashing (and this from a die hard prewasher!). Make the quilt, quilt it fairly closely (no more than 2" spacing between quilting, I would go even closer) and then wash. Robert Kaufman is usually really good quality fabric and I bet this flannel won't shrink much more than any other of RK lines. Additionally once all put together and quilted the quilting will help it to not shrink all distorted. I say make the quilt out of these precut strips without any prewashing and let the chips fall where they may. I bet it will be fine.
04-15-2016, 10:35 AM
#12
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,659
I have "prewashed" smaller pieces of fabric like that lots of times. I just fill a large bowl or sink with HOT water and let the fabric soak an hour or so. I think sometimes I have added a bit of detergent and swished with my hand too, but not necessary. I then dump out the water, let the fabric drain till it is not so heavy and drippy, then just put them over hangars and let drip dry. I think your plan will work great.
I think hand washing like this is best for small cuts and strips to avoid lots of fraying, flannel and regular cotton.
I think hand washing like this is best for small cuts and strips to avoid lots of fraying, flannel and regular cotton.
this is how I handle small pieces of fabric - it does work -
It is a bit time-consuming and a bit messy - but - for me, well worth the time and effort.
04-15-2016, 10:37 AM
#13
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
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One would think that would be true - but from my experience with "regular" quilting cottons - shrinkage can vary even within one line.
04-15-2016, 11:01 AM
#14
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: South Florida
Posts: 116
I never pre wash flannels or pre cuts..they ravel and it is a pain to iron. The fabric company's even recommend that you DO NOT PREWASH.
I love flannel quilts and I sleep with one every nite.
I have been quilting for over 40 yrs and also I am a longarmer. I make my flannel quilts, quilt them, bind the and then wash in cold water. The quilt all shrinks the same and I have never have had any issues.
I love flannel quilts and I sleep with one every nite.
I have been quilting for over 40 yrs and also I am a longarmer. I make my flannel quilts, quilt them, bind the and then wash in cold water. The quilt all shrinks the same and I have never have had any issues.
04-15-2016, 11:49 AM
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 166
I never pre wash flannels or pre cuts..they ravel and it is a pain to iron. The fabric company's even recommend that you DO NOT PREWASH.
I love flannel quilts and I sleep with one every nite.
I have been quilting for over 40 yrs and also I am a longarmer. I make my flannel quilts, quilt them, bind the and then wash in cold water. The quilt all shrinks the same and I have never have had any issues.
I love flannel quilts and I sleep with one every nite.
I have been quilting for over 40 yrs and also I am a longarmer. I make my flannel quilts, quilt them, bind the and then wash in cold water. The quilt all shrinks the same and I have never have had any issues.
I agree. I wouldn't prewash and I never do.
04-15-2016, 01:45 PM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,018
I am a dyed in the wool..(ha,ha)..non-pre washer.......as stated, once made into a quilt it will be fine........IF I have a fabric of any kind that may be bleeder, I will cut a bit, soak in cup of hot water...that determines if I use or not......but that's just how I've been doing it for a longtime........
04-15-2016, 02:00 PM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 3,255
I have "prewashed" smaller pieces of fabric like that lots of times. I just fill a large bowl or sink with HOT water and let the fabric soak an hour or so. I think sometimes I have added a bit of detergent and swished with my hand too, but not necessary. I then dump out the water, let the fabric drain till it is not so heavy and drippy, then just put them over hangars and let drip dry. I think your plan will work great.
I think hand washing like this is best for small cuts and strips to avoid lots of fraying, flannel and regular cotton.
I think hand washing like this is best for small cuts and strips to avoid lots of fraying, flannel and regular cotton.
04-15-2016, 02:59 PM
#19
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
First love your fabric. 2nd do you have any friends who can wash it for you? You could agitate a little by stirring with a broom handle then pick the fabric up, then drop and repeat. Then, if you can, use the shower head to rinse it all. With the warmth of your room it will dry in no time.
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