Hi all. Looking for some input on charm sq. use and methods. Now I know I don't have to wash them before using, made that mistake once already. What I need to know is do I need to starch or size them before I cut and sew them. I always size my yardage before cutting, but that has been washed. I am starting a half hex quilt made out of the charm sqs. I want to do it full or queen size, so there will be hundreds of charms and half charms. Do you think the sizing or pretreating or what ever they call it that they do to fabric when it is manufactured is enough?
Thanks for the help!

I never pre-wash. I like to spray starch my fabric before I cut and as I sew. There is no right or wrong just a matter of preference.

i don't there's already sizing in the charms from the manufacturer - as long as you don't wash them you don't need to starch them

I agree- I've had no trouble using them, just fun!! :D

Don't forget to post pictures when you're done. :thumbup:

If you plan to cut them into triangles, you will probably have better results if you starch them. I am new to using starch and can't believe I waited so long to try it! My avatar quilt was made with precut turnovers. I did starch them and had no issues at all with stretching.

I made a quilt for my sister out of charm packs. i didnt wash them first. My other sister says it will get all wonky when it is washed. Are you saying when you get the charm packs that you dont have to wash them? I was going to tell my recipient sister to wash the quilt in cold water with vinager and hang dry just in case. this is my first quilt so I know I have made lots of beginner errors.

You don't have to wash them first - as matter of fact, it's easy for them to become wonky when you do! And a pain to iron them :) Most people don't wash charms, jelly rolls, etc. But, if you do want to wash them, and I have before where the majority of fabric for a project was already washed, then I soak them in soapy water. Rinse gently, all done by hand, and lay out to dry. This method causes the least amount of damage to the edges.

I normally don't wash any of my fabric for any quilts. But, I will test reds and some of the dark blues. Never had a problem :)

Debbie in Austin