Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Pre-washing fabric questions >

Pre-washing fabric questions

Pre-washing fabric questions

Old 06-05-2008, 06:11 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
GMarie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Southern Minnesota
Posts: 119
Default

Good morning,

I pre-washed some fabric for the first time last night (for a swap that requires it) and have some quesitons for everyone:

- What can I do to stop the sides from fraying? I've read about clipping corners, zig-zag, washing on gentle... is there anything else? I lost a good 1/2 inch of fabric from fraying... I can't imagine what it would do to a fat quarter. :(

- If I use starch when I press the fabrics after drying, will they regain their crispness (one of the reasons I never have prewashed is that I really like the crispness of the fabric when piecing).

- Would just soaking the fabric count as washing for a swap?

Thank you in advance for your wisdom! :)
GMarie is offline  
Old 06-05-2008, 06:37 AM
  #2  
Super Member
 
zyxquilts's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: So. California
Posts: 3,769
Default

Originally Posted by GMarie
Good morning,

I pre-washed some fabric for the first time last night (for a swap that requires it) and have some quesitons for everyone:

- What can I do to stop the sides from fraying? I've read about clipping corners, zig-zag, washing on gentle... is there anything else? I lost a good 1/2 inch of fabric from fraying... I can't imagine what it would do to a fat quarter. :(

- If I use starch when I press the fabrics after drying, will they regain their crispness (one of the reasons I never have prewashed is that I really like the crispness of the fabric when piecing).

- Would just soaking the fabric count as washing for a swap?

Thank you in advance for your wisdom! :)
I have had some luck with clipping the corners off...but it didn't always work for me. :( I have some friends that serge the edges before they wash - I think the zigzag would be the same - and they don't ravel.
I wouldn't wash a FQ in the washer, but I think if you washed it in the sink or a big bowl, that would work (and count! lol)
To get that pre-wash crispness back, you could use either spray starch or spray sizing. Sizing is what's on it when it's new.

Good luck! :D
zyxquilts is offline  
Old 06-05-2008, 06:37 AM
  #3  
Moderator
 
kathy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: on the Texas Coast
Posts: 4,020
Default

I've never been in a swap but when I buy BOM kits they give you much to spare so I just soak them in very warm water for a few minutes then lay them on a towel to dry and then starch and iron because I like that crispness too, I think it cuts better.
kathy is offline  
Old 06-05-2008, 06:50 AM
  #4  
Super Member
 
Minda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Central PA
Posts: 1,610
Default

I trim all of the cut edges using a rotary cutter with a pinking blade before I wash. If I'm washing more than 1 1/2 yards, I also sew the two ends together with a zig-zag stitch and then cut it off before I iron. I use the express cycle on my washer, and if I'm only washing a few fat qtrs, I wash them in the sink. I dry them in the dryer with a couple of clean OLD towels, which helps dry the fabric very quickly (less tumbling).
Minda is offline  
Old 06-05-2008, 07:52 AM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Katrine's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: France
Posts: 1,813
Default

I wash by hand in the sink. I fold FQs into 3 folds then in half, all raw edges enclosed. Larger pieces fold in the raw edges and fold loosely. Only warm water, then cold rinses. Charms and eighths I put inside a folded clean cloth to wash. I drip dry, or charms and eighths I roll in a towel. It takes longer but I wash as I buy so I keep up with it.
Katrine is offline  
Old 06-05-2008, 07:58 AM
  #6  
Super Member
 
Moonpi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Central FL
Posts: 4,829
Default

Soaking is not going to help with shrinking cause by agitation or heat. Next time you're at a Dollar Tree or any dollar store, pick ip a lingerie washing bag. They are wort their weight in gold. For larger pieces, I've zigzagged edges, too, using loose, wide stitches that are easy to take out.
Moonpi is offline  
Old 06-05-2008, 10:23 AM
  #7  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
GMarie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Southern Minnesota
Posts: 119
Default

Thanks for all your responses (I knew you wouldn't let me down)! ;-)

What is the difference between sizing and starch? Where would I find sizing? Why would you want to wash (to get it off) and then put it back on (just curious) - or is the main reason for washing to avoid shrinking?
GMarie is offline  
Old 06-05-2008, 10:56 AM
  #8  
Super Member
 
Knot Sew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NY
Posts: 5,652
Default

You treat your fabric the same as you would a quilt......hot water fades, harsh detergents are a no........Hand wash and hang or damp dry , then iron. If you use a machine use fragile cycle. I only wash if I have to or the colors are such that I want to test them. Do it your way.......no quilt police allowed here :D
Knot Sew is offline  
Old 06-05-2008, 01:54 PM
  #9  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
GMarie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Southern Minnesota
Posts: 119
Default

Yay!! I don't like quilt police... :oops:
GMarie is offline  
Old 06-05-2008, 04:10 PM
  #10  
Super Member
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NE Pa.
Posts: 1,738
Default

I have always prewashed my fabric for a couple of reasons. Allergies being the biggest. Fabric is made with many chemicals so I try to get that out of my fabric first, Second I want to know if the fabric is going to bleed or not, and I use the Color Catchers you buy in the grocery store in the with the fabric. If the pieces are small, like fat qtrs or charm squares they go in a net lingere bag so I don't loose them in the washer. but to each his own. Some people never wash their fabric. Marge
mic-pa is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MFord
Main
8
06-27-2014 05:55 AM
bearisgray
Main
22
09-14-2012 02:26 PM
Termi
Main
40
03-07-2011 07:30 PM
CindyinNY
Main
59
09-11-2010 04:47 AM
Sister Sal
Main
5
06-03-2010 04:26 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter