I am trying to finish a top that I made about 3 years ago. (Slow, I know.)
Used remnants to piece this top, so not sure content of fabrics.
I just added an additional 10 inches to each side in order to make it
larger.

Now I have purchased 100% cotton fabric (108" wide) to use for the
backing. My problem now is, should I wash the backing? If I do, then should I also wash the top? If I do, I cannot imagine having to iron the top with all those little seams & tangled threads, oh, my!

What is a newbie to do? Any help will be appreciated. Needing a little
confidence building. : )

Thanks in advance, Marilyn

I would probably go ahead and wash the back, but not the top. When you've got it quilted and wash it, it may have a little shrinkage, but that kindof gives it a vintage look. I always wash my fatbacks, but I don't usually prewash my fabrics, and have not had any problems (knock on wood!) so far. I'd be afraid the top would ravel too much and maybe even come unsewed. Good luck whatever you decide.

Marilyn,
That is a dilema. My first thought is that I think I would dampen the top and dry it. I also wouldn't want to put it in the washer and have a big mess. I know some put them them in lingere bags. I still think I would just dampen it to prevent too much shrinking later on. I think I would also wash the back. I only say this because with so many different fabrics I would be leary of not preshrinking it. I have never had to deal with this, but you may get a lot of opinions tomorrow that might help more than I can. Good Luck!

You've come to the right place for building your confidence. This place is great. Some people always wash (me), some people never wash, some people do a little of each. If you haven't yet washed the top and the bottom, I would go ahead as you are, and continue to put your quilt together. Others will have other helpful advice.

I wash all my fabric too.

Hi from Ohio. I wash all my fabrics in hot water.

I am a manic pre-washer...but that is of no use to you right now! I would wash the back as you know it's content and it may/may not shrink. If you have used remnants for the front, there is a good chance if they are not cotton, they won't shrink anyway...but if you washed...they would probably fray and become a tangled mess. So, be brave, leave the front as is, wash and press the back and then have fun quilting it. It will be a learning experience and I reckon it will turn out well in the end....and don't forget...WE LOVE PICS! Happy quilting.

If you haven't washed the top, I wouldn't wash the bottom. I'm a quilter who never pre-washes anything and I've never had any problems and I mix a lot of fabrics in my scrappy quilts. Both the top and bottom may shrink a little but they will be stitched together and can shrink together if they must. I don't see any value in just washing the bottom. You'll get lots of opinions on this one and I don't think that there is one correct answer.

If you didn't wash the top's fabric before you made the top, then I wouldn't worry about prewashing the backing fabric. They'll shrink together once the quilt is finished. I never prewash my fabrics unless it's either a really deep purple or a intense red, and so far...so good! Good Luck, and please posts pictures when completed. We love both inspiration and admiration for our endeavors.

Ditto