Newbie Needs Help/washing question
09-24-2010, 06:01 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Lebanon, Missouri
Posts: 602
Ditto what Julie says. I prewash all of my fabric. First is to remove all the chemicals in the fabric, excess dye, formaldehyde, insecticide and the like. Second, fabrics do shrink at different rates some 1%, some 3% and some at much at 10%. Prewashing prevents the quilt from becoming warped as it is used.
Some do not prewash because the "crisp" fabric is easier to cut. I have found that if I starch and press the fabric before cutting it cuts much smoother than non washed. Also, it seems like my rotary blades last much longer this way.
If I am using a cotton batting or cotton blend batting, I mist the batting with water and throw it in the dryer with a wet towel. This removes all creases in the batt and preshrinks the batt as well.
Some do not prewash because the "crisp" fabric is easier to cut. I have found that if I starch and press the fabric before cutting it cuts much smoother than non washed. Also, it seems like my rotary blades last much longer this way.
If I am using a cotton batting or cotton blend batting, I mist the batting with water and throw it in the dryer with a wet towel. This removes all creases in the batt and preshrinks the batt as well.
09-24-2010, 06:32 AM
#14
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Keene, New Hampshire
Posts: 4,211
Originally Posted by bj
I would probably go ahead and wash the back, but not the top. When you've got it quilted and wash it, it may have a little shrinkage, but that kindof gives it a vintage look. I always wash my fatbacks, but I don't usually prewash my fabrics, and have not had any problems (knock on wood!) so far. I'd be afraid the top would ravel too much and maybe even come unsewed. Good luck whatever you decide.
09-24-2010, 08:33 AM
#15
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I don't prewash at all. If you quilt adequately in relationship to the batting, the quilting actually helps the sandwich not distort. I don't mind a little shrinkage (whatever is normal in fabrics) because it just provides the soft, old-fashioned "crinkle" look I like.
In your situation, I might prewash the backing fabric, but this would depend on the fabric. Muslins and flannels can shrink a lot, so I would prewash. Most others are okay.
Washing the top is likely to make a mess. The only way I would ever wash a top is if I first basted it to a foundation fabric (to prevent fraying of all the seams), then hand washed and air-dried.
Whether pre-washing or not, it's a good idea to starch both the top and backing fabric before layering if you are planning to machine quilt. This helps prevents puckers. (Not necessary if you plan to tie the quilt or hand quilt.)
In your situation, I might prewash the backing fabric, but this would depend on the fabric. Muslins and flannels can shrink a lot, so I would prewash. Most others are okay.
Washing the top is likely to make a mess. The only way I would ever wash a top is if I first basted it to a foundation fabric (to prevent fraying of all the seams), then hand washed and air-dried.
Whether pre-washing or not, it's a good idea to starch both the top and backing fabric before layering if you are planning to machine quilt. This helps prevents puckers. (Not necessary if you plan to tie the quilt or hand quilt.)
09-25-2010, 12:43 AM
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Queensland Australia
Posts: 1,388
[quote=crashnquilt]Ditto what Julie says. I prewash all of my fabric. First is to remove all the chemicals in the fabric, excess dye, formaldehyde, insecticide and the like. Second, fabrics do shrink at different rates some 1%, some 3% and some at much at 10%. Prewashing prevents the quilt from becoming warped as it is used.
Some do not prewash because the "crisp" fabric is easier to cut. I have found that if I starch and press the fabric before cutting it cuts much smoother than non washed. Also, it seems like my rotary blades last much longer this way. (quote)
I am using wool/cotton blend and I do not wash it but I do wash and iron all the other fabrics. I do wash the backing fabric as every thing I have had so far bleeds badly.
Some do not prewash because the "crisp" fabric is easier to cut. I have found that if I starch and press the fabric before cutting it cuts much smoother than non washed. Also, it seems like my rotary blades last much longer this way. (quote)
I am using wool/cotton blend and I do not wash it but I do wash and iron all the other fabrics. I do wash the backing fabric as every thing I have had so far bleeds badly.
09-25-2010, 01:48 PM
#18
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
Posts: 58,856
Originally Posted by Prism99
I don't prewash at all. If you quilt adequately in relationship to the batting, the quilting actually helps the sandwich not distort. I don't mind a little shrinkage (whatever is normal in fabrics) because it just provides the soft, old-fashioned "crinkle" look I like.
In your situation, I might prewash the backing fabric, but this would depend on the fabric. Muslins and flannels can shrink a lot, so I would prewash. Most others are okay.
Washing the top is likely to make a mess. The only way I would ever wash a top is if I first basted it to a foundation fabric (to prevent fraying of all the seams), then hand washed and air-dried.
Whether pre-washing or not, it's a good idea to starch both the top and backing fabric before layering if you are planning to machine quilt. This helps prevents puckers. (Not necessary if you plan to tie the quilt or hand quilt.)
In your situation, I might prewash the backing fabric, but this would depend on the fabric. Muslins and flannels can shrink a lot, so I would prewash. Most others are okay.
Washing the top is likely to make a mess. The only way I would ever wash a top is if I first basted it to a foundation fabric (to prevent fraying of all the seams), then hand washed and air-dried.
Whether pre-washing or not, it's a good idea to starch both the top and backing fabric before layering if you are planning to machine quilt. This helps prevents puckers. (Not necessary if you plan to tie the quilt or hand quilt.)
09-25-2010, 02:20 PM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Fayetteville, GA
Posts: 2,879
My rule of thumb is wash all or none. As some of the others have said the slight shrinkage makes a quilt look like an antique. If you haven't prewashed just be sure when you do wash you use the color catchers in case of fading.
09-26-2010, 06:47 AM
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Antlers Oklahoma
Posts: 1,658
I have been quilting since I was very young and never prewhashed my fabrics,have never been disappointed in my quilts when they were washed after many usings. It is your choice whether to prewash or not.
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