I am making a lap quilt for my son for his BD. I plan to use fleece for backing. Should I wash the fleece before I use it? Thanks for any help you can give. Love this board. I am here every day but do a lot of lurking. Judy

Bearisgray said she had some fleece that shrunk more than others...so it may not hurt :D:D:D

I didn't know fleece would shrink. Learn something new every day...

thanks I have never used fleece before and was not sure.

I prewash everything to make sure. But even if it doesn't shrink it will get out all the (possibly) nasty chemicals that may be in it.

I have had lots of fleece that did shrink--learned it the hard way--AFTER backing the quilts!

I was not aware fleece would shrink. Thanks for the heads up.

I've never used fleece as backing...merely used it "as is" for an easy lap robe, covers for furniture where the dogs love to lounge, etc. And I've not noticed if it shrinks, but- why not? Isn't it Polyester and doesn't all poly shrink in the dryer? That's been my experience. Also getting the (other) chemicals out of it would be a goooood idea before using it. I'm with Candace, tho I don't always wash my cottons before piecing and quilting. I like the casual look, so if it rumples a bit, all the better. Some items, like wall hangings, are another story; I want them to remain the same for many years.

I have bought lower end fleece and yep... it shrank... the better quality stuff didnt... just goes to show, u get what u pay for.....

I always prewash my fabrics. If it's going to do something funny, I want it to do it that before I put my work into a project.

Ditto

Prewashing saves any shrinkage problems. Also dye running too. According to "Sod's law" the first time I used an unwashed piece it would either shrink or run and possibly both. No I'm not a pessimist, just wouldn't want this to happen to any of my quilts.

I made my dad a quilt and used fleece backing...I did not prewash...gosh...I hope it does not shrink.

I too, did not ever think fleece would shrink. Who would have thought.