YC Quilter

I just finished a quilt top for my new grandson. I prewashed and starched all the fabric for the front and back, mostly because I was unsure of some of the fabric I chose. Now Im getting ready to baste the layers together. I wonder if I should pre wash my 80/20 cotton batting. Has any one had experience with this combo? I have never prewashed either fabric or batting and have always liked that result. Thanks for your advice!

quiltingcandy

I have not pre-washed my batting and always pre-wash my fabric with no problems.

ManiacQuilter2

I have heard NOT to wash your cotton batting. Batting alone is very hard to dry because you may end up with only scraps. That is why there are basic quilting recommended by the manufacturer.

Peckish

Another vote for NOT prewashing batting. There are way more cons, and I can't think of a single pro.

Dolphyngyrl

I don't think 80/20 has a scrim so it can't be washed, warm and naturaly can on gentle but not spinned I don't think, can't remember, only washed it once because it was off of a bolt and filthy with dirt. If you worry about shrinkage, poly battings are your best choice

AnnieSue

I don't think I've ever heard a quilting teacher say to pre-wash batting. I never pre-wash batting.

YC Quilter

I love all your "don't wash" answers! Well, here goes..want to get started as we wait for the 12-18 in of snow predicted for Cape Cod tonite! Got a fire in the fireplace and food ready to eat, and no work tomorrow or Monday. Maybe I'll get it done!?

dunster

Ditto. I did pre-wash W&N once when I wanted to avoid shrinkage of the batt, and that turned out fine.

Daylesewblessed

I pre-washed Hobbs 80/20 last week with fine results. If I remember correctly, the instructions for that batting pre-wash is to submerge in water for 20 minutes, which is what I did. I did not agitate, but I did the spin cycle, stopping and checking once or twice as it went to make sure it was not stretched. It came out of the washer great. I then laid it flat on the ceramic tile floor. It did not take long to dry and was not wrinkled. There was no shredding. The piece was about 60" by 70".

In the past I have washed larger sections of Warm and Natural in the bath tub. it is heavy work, but it has turned out fine.

I do not care for the crinkled look and do not do close machine quilting, so with cotton batting I pre-wash. If a batting says on the package to expect 3-5%, that is something I do NOT want. I also pre-wash all of my fabrics before construction.

Lots of quilting teachers don't say to pre-wash batting, and many also don't pre-wash fabric. There is too much at stake for me to take chances.

bearisgray

Read the package directions.