To Prewash or not to prewash
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 862
There are advantages and disadvantages. I don't prewash anything except cheap fabric and batiks. Flannel is going to run - so don't use white and use a lot of water. I have not had any fabric from a quilt shop run since about 1997, although I would not trust batiks not to run. Keep in mind that all fabrics have been treated with pesticides. This could have a negative effect on a small number of quilters.
#24
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,434
Starch and sizing is "makeup" for fabrics.
I like to know what a fabric is like in it's - more or less - "natural" state
I still think that if a fabric is "too limp" or "too flimsy" to use after washing - it is not worth using at all.
I've also found many moderately priced fabrics to behave as well or better than some higher priced fabrics.
I like to know what a fabric is like in it's - more or less - "natural" state
I still think that if a fabric is "too limp" or "too flimsy" to use after washing - it is not worth using at all.
I've also found many moderately priced fabrics to behave as well or better than some higher priced fabrics.
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: IN
Posts: 1,153
I usually don't pre-wash, however, there are a couple of exceptions. I ALWAYS pre-wash any fabric that I have been given that was part of someone elses stash, or fabric that I got from yard sales or thrift shops. I ALWAYS pre-wash batiks. I serge the cut edges of all pre-wash fabrics before I wash them to minimize fraying. I ALWAYS wash my finished quilts before gifting them.
#26
I pre-wash everything except pre-cuts (jelly rolls, charm packs, layer cakes). I use a gentle/slow cycle on my washer ando not have a problem with fraying even on the fat quarters. The fabric gets washed as I select it for a project not once it first comes home. I have a friend that washes all fabric as soon as it comes in her door and, therefore, it is always ready to go. I prefer my method as when I am ironing it (with starch), I review my selections and often times will change something out. I guess I just like playing with the fabric until it's time to cut it.
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