A quilt restorer [sp] once told me to fill the bathtub with tepid water and quilt wash. Be sure to disolve the quilt wash first, it's thick. Put the quilt/quilt top on a sheet and lower it in. You'll need help, it's a 2 person job. Gently swish it around and let it soak. Drain the tub. gently squeeze the water out, remove from the tub, and refill the tub to rinse, using the sheet to move the quilt in and out. Reapeat if needed.
I recieved an old top that had been exposed to years of cigarette smoke. This method got the smell and the yellow color out. Now I can layer and quilt it.

My first choice would be to finish the quilt and then wash.

If there is bias on the edges, I would be even more tempted to finish the quilt before washing and air it out well if there is an odor that bothered me.

If not, I really like the suggestion of using the sheet to manuever the top/or quilt in the bath tub. I like that you are not pulling at the top, the sheet bears all of the weight, and distortion would be minimal. Thank you for sharing this :D:D:D

I would agree that if you can, quilt the top prior to washing to stabalize it. Even then, the method of washing in the bathtub to lift it in and out is appropriate.

Congratulations on your finds and rescue. Look forward to seeing the pictures.

I think I would hand wash. I have used Woolite.

I love auctions! I'm glad those quilts have a good home! I would wash them in the bath tub, but thats just me, then line dry, and iron when it's a lil damp.

I have an old top from my MIL and it was dirty. So I hand-washed it in the tub. Now I have a ravelled mess that I have to wrangle into submission. I will probably burn the heck out of my hands in the pressing process and I wish I had finished it first.

Finishing first gives SUCH body to the quilt.... All the quilt tops I have received have been clean - thank goodness !!

BUT !!! if it is dirty/smelly, I LOVE the idea the person gave on laying it on the sheet to put it in the tub water !!!!

I just checked back in, I realized I didn't finish the directions for tub washing the quilt. After the final rinse, gently squeeze out all the water you can. Still on the sheet, Put it out side in the shade to air dry. The sheet bears all the weight of the quilt. It will be heavy. The sheet helps protect the stitches, and the fabric from tearing out. It is especially important for antique quilts.

Thanks to everyone for your great suggestions. I think I will use the sheet method. I have one of my grandsons with me since school is over for the year and he can help me with lifting it in and out of the tub. Thanks again. I knew I would get good information.

From what I've seen, a cutter is a quilt that is so raggedy, or what the seller calls raggedy, that they think you will want to cut it up for home dec pieces like chair covers or teddy bears or framed bits of quilt blocks or teapot cozies.