pittsburgpam

I'm about to load a quilt on the longarm frame that is made from un-washed jelly roll strips and unwashed FQs of the same fabric. I didn't wash the FQs because the JR strips weren't washed. The backing fabric is a wide back from the same fabric line too. I've been thinking for the last few days that I need to get that backing washed but this morning I realized... maybe I shouldn't wash it.

If it's the same fabric should I not wash the backing either so it all shrinks the same? That kind of goes against my grain (pun intended) to not wash the backing but it might be appropriate here.

NJ Quilter

I tend to agree with you and I'm a staunch pre-washer. That said, when I do BOM's at my LQS they only give you tiny bits of fabric to work with so I never prewash those. The backing is always from the same fabric line as well. I've not had an issue with any of these that I've done. I would think you would want your shrinkage rates to be the same for the front and the back. I know I would.

Cherylsea

I agree with you both! I don't do much with pre-cuts for that reason but, when I have used them, I use them as they are and don't wash the backing. Have never had the guts to try to shrink my batting in any case. I pre-wash more to check for dye seeping than for shrinkage anyway.

katier825

I tend to either wash all or not wash all, depending on what I am using on the front. I'm sure there have been times that I had something that was washed or unwashed in the mix, especially if I was piecing the back. So far, I haven't had any problems with them shrinking at different rates. I think if you are quilting fairly closely, you probably won't have too much problem, especially if using one fabric line.

What are you making? Do you get to see?

pittsburgpam

I guess it's whatever works. ;-) It's an older top, done a couple of years ago. I started hand quilting it then and I just don't want to do it. This was before I got the longarm so, I am putting it on there to do it. I'm not going to use the backing that was on it already because it doesn't have enough extra for the frame (can always use it for something a little smaller). I looked through my backings and found one that is in the same fabric! What a coincidence. I got it for something else but, it is perfect for this quilt.

The backing is in the light tone-on-tone from this.

irishrose

I am the desenter. I would wash the backing. A large amount of fabric has more potential for shrinkage than the cut pieces, but then I am a desenter in that I am not a fan of the crinkled look. I do preshrink my batting.

Daylesewblessed

I agree with Irishrose - I would wash the backing. To me just sewing the pieces together on the top helps to stabilize them. Then when they are quilted unto a pre-washed back, I think they will stretch if necessary to fit the stitching.

Dayle