To pre-wash fabric or not
09-30-2011, 11:07 AM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,884
recently a Quilt Store owner said she doesn't prewash unless she is concerned about bleeding, that fabrics are pre-shrunk.
I still pre wash. And I think I will continue as I have seen some shrink even recently.
I'd hate to spend my time on a quilt and then have a patch tear because that fabric decided to shrink.
With kits that are already cut though I don't think you can prewash as the edges fray and then you won't have the right size.
I still pre wash. And I think I will continue as I have seen some shrink even recently.
I'd hate to spend my time on a quilt and then have a patch tear because that fabric decided to shrink.
With kits that are already cut though I don't think you can prewash as the edges fray and then you won't have the right size.
09-30-2011, 03:48 PM
#23
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,715
Originally Posted by Scissor Queen
Batiks shouldn't shrink since they've been boiled to remove the wax resist. Batiks may shed excess dye but that's only a problem if another fabric picks it up permanently. On most fabrics even if they pick up some excess dye in the wash it's still not set and will wash out of whatever picks it up.
I don't pre-wash.
I don't pre-wash.
And good for you for emphasizing one of the reasons for pre-washing .... Too.Much.Risk!!!
09-30-2011, 04:23 PM
#25
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Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Outside St. Louis
Posts: 38,190
I wash and dry all my fabrics as soon as I get them home. I fold them with a ruler and put them in my fabric cabinet. I use warm warm amd dry on the regular setting. Wash and dry them again all the same way.
10-01-2011, 03:48 AM
#26
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 184
This is really a personal choice, so it depends on who you ask.
Personally, I don't wash. Why? Because I LOVE it when I take the quilt out of the dryer for the first time and see that wrinkly look. My heart melts and a smile forms on my face. To me it's like getting the aged/antique look.
I know there are issues with fabric colors running, but, I have never had this problem. I always put those Shout Color Catchers in my washing machine whenever washing a quilt and it always does the job.
Now, the ONLY TIME I will wash fabrics is if I am using them to applique. I do not want my applique shapes to shrink up like my pieced quilts.
So, it really is a personal preference these days.
Do whatever you like best and that will be the right way for you :)
Personally, I don't wash. Why? Because I LOVE it when I take the quilt out of the dryer for the first time and see that wrinkly look. My heart melts and a smile forms on my face. To me it's like getting the aged/antique look.
I know there are issues with fabric colors running, but, I have never had this problem. I always put those Shout Color Catchers in my washing machine whenever washing a quilt and it always does the job.
Now, the ONLY TIME I will wash fabrics is if I am using them to applique. I do not want my applique shapes to shrink up like my pieced quilts.
So, it really is a personal preference these days.
Do whatever you like best and that will be the right way for you :)
10-01-2011, 05:11 AM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: nashville, tn
Posts: 353
Have you tried sitting down and ironing. Many yrs ago, my mother's doctor told her to sit in a chair to iron. That is when I started doing it too. Now I can't iron standing up. I sit on the couch with the ironing board on lowest setting and away I go. Try it (especially if you have back pain or fibromyalgia like me).
10-01-2011, 05:16 AM
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 1,882
Originally Posted by Scotlass
I guess I don't fit into any one category. Some fabrics I wash (cut ends with pinking shears so I can tell they are washed) if I get the fabric from a source other than the LQS or if I think the color will run. Some I leave alone and just take my chances. No hard and fast rules for me.
10-01-2011, 05:25 AM
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: California Girl exiled in DC
Posts: 1,337
I pre-wash everything-- straight from the store to the washing machine.
I once worked on non-pre-washed and found hand-stitching to be more difficult-- ESPECIALLY with batiks which tend to be a higher thread-per-inch count. I far prefer working with softer fabric.
And besides the color-bleed issue, there's also the matter of chemicals used in manufacturing fabric.
Bottom line: I far prefer the experience of working with softer, pre-washed fabric.
I once worked on non-pre-washed and found hand-stitching to be more difficult-- ESPECIALLY with batiks which tend to be a higher thread-per-inch count. I far prefer working with softer fabric.
And besides the color-bleed issue, there's also the matter of chemicals used in manufacturing fabric.
Bottom line: I far prefer the experience of working with softer, pre-washed fabric.
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