Beginner quilter... I have some questions...
 

Hello everybody! I work at a quilting store and I am getting very interested in the world of quilting. I just signed up for this forum and I though that it would be tons of fun! Well first of all, I have a question. I made two jelly roll races and I completely FORGOT to pre wash my fabrics..... will they be OK? I don't know if I should wash the tops now, or quilt and bind them and then wash them. What do you guys think? I really hope I did not screw up my over first quilts! Thank you for the help, and I can't wait to post a whole lot and hopefully learn too! Thank you!

First - welcome to the wonderful world of quilting! Hope you have an amazing time with this wonderful hobby/obsession.

Most people don't wash pre-cut fabrics like Jelly rolls, charm packs, etc. Quilt it, bind it and then wash it - be sure to add a couple of color catchers. To be honest most of us don't wash our fabrics first - even yardage. I know I don't unless I am doing a Red&White or Blue&White quilt.

If you are worried about the color bleeding (like maybe if there is white in it), you can use a Shout Color Catcher in the wash. They really work and are found in the laundry aisle.

Welcome from Michigan. I wouldn't prewash pre cuts as they may ravel and then you won't have the same size fabric as you started with. If you wash after the quilt will pucker up a little and have the old look. Take pictures of your quilts as we all want to see them.
Sue

welcome to the board and happy quilting

Welcome, Welcome.
I am still kind of new to quilting too. I have never washed my fabric before quilting because I want everything to kind of shrink and make that crinkly "old" look. I do use the color catchers and they work. I can't believe the amount of color it will come out with. My recent quilt (my second completed quilt) was a black/white strip and the blacks did not blend into the whites. I was pleased with the color catcher.
I bet you get some great discounts at the quilting store you work at......build your stash!
Also, those tutorials by Jenny Doan at Missouri Quilt Company are great. I want to try several of them in the near future.
Good luck and post photos of your accomplishments!

Welcome!!! I also do not wash pre cuts just use color catchers as mentioned and you should be fine. Welcome to the wonderful work of quilting!!!

I won't add anymore about the prewash subject because they have given you good help. Just wanted to welcome you to the QB. You will find tons of help & good advice on here. I am a fairly new quilter (although a lot older than you) & I couldn't do it without the help from the wonderful people on here. We will be anxiously awaiting the creations you make. I do have one little piece of advice for you. REMEMBER: there is never, never any question that is to trivial to ask. So if you need help, just ask. Enjoy this QB as much as I do. Nice to meet you "elenigrce". Vonda

Welcome to the board and to the wonderful addiction, uh I mean world, of quilting. This is a great place to pick up info from many quilters with a world of experience and tastes. I know my mind has been expanded greatly by the wonderful quilters here.