Muslin Backing
 

I am thinking about using a muslin backing on a quilt I am working on and was wondering whether you wash the muslin first for shrinkage. The top is Benartex fabric that has Not been previously washed. The muslin is JoAnn's premium.

I use Joann’s premium legacy muslin all the time and I don’t prewash, I’ve never had any issues and find it to be very soft, I love the feel.

I prewash everything. I don't want any surprises later.

I recently used Joann's premium muslin and ran into something that had not happened to me before. I used the premium muslin before just fine. I did not prewash it; I don't prewash anything. I also use 505 spay baste. For some reason the spray would not adhere well to the muslin. Maybe that particular batch had chemicals/sizing in it that made it different. I started quilting and that backing just shifted around. I ended up ripping out the quilting and re-sprayed and tried again. The same thing happened!! After ripping it out the second time, I used a different fabric for the back. I washed the piece of muslin and have used it for scrap now. So long story short...I would prewash that backing. I am now a little leery about using their premium muslin at all now...sad :-(

I too would pre-wash the muslin. just to be on the safe side. it can shrink. i think the top will be fine. good luck.

I pre-wash all of my fabric. I especially pay attention to my reds. I am also glad to hear that some of you use the JoAnn's muslin. I am going to try that next time

I would prewash since it is a large solid piece of fabric, unlike the top which a small pieces sewed together. I have had muslin shrink a lot in both directions, so I would not want to risk it.

I pre wash everything, period.

I too use the legacy premium muslin I used to prewash it but haven’t in a while. Since I quilt on a frame I don’t use adhesive spray so can’t speak to that. BTW the reason I don’t wash it anymore is because of using precuts, I just figured it would all get washed at the same time.

Thanks for the response. I would rather be safe than sorry since it's a wedding gift for my great nephew. I always throw in a box of Color Catcher with quilts. This is my first muslin attempt at using muslin backing and want it to be a success. I too have a longarm so won't have the adhesive issue. I don't normally prewash anything so you all have been very helpful. Thanks again.