I bought a package of antique 5-inch feedsack squares. I want to use them in Sun Bonnet Sue applique blocks. Can any recommend what I should wash them in before I cut them into the applique pieces? There are some red squares so I want to make sure they don't run. I usually wash my fabric in the washing machine, but these pieces are too small for that. Thanks!

In the sink with woolite?

Gently to prevent fraying. Good luck.
Welcome to the quiltingboard.

Welcome from Southern Illinois.

I would try in the sink with woolite, or Dawn, too! Good Luck, I bet they are cute!

Welcome from central Illinois. I'd just wet them in the sink and lay them out on a towel. If you dissolve a handful of salt in the water it will help set the dye. You could also get a Color Grabber and put in the sink. I always use one when shrinking fabric. Got it at Hancocks. It looks like a rectangular white washcloth with black stitching around the edges--until you use it then it turns colors. It's good for 30 loads.

do those things really work?

do you wassh them to get the color out or what?

If the fabric bleeds, the color catcher sheet catches the dye and it doesn't get on other fabrics.

If it's old fabric and especially red fabric I would wash it in the sink.