prewash scraps before "stringing"?
 

Hi All--I've been following the recent threads about creating string strips using receipt paper. I think it's such a cool idea. I'm ready to start sewing a few mixed scraps onto the receipts, but wondered if they should be washed first, considering that they are all such different fabrics and will probably shrink at different rates once in a string quilt. I don't usually prewash my fabrics, but in this case it seems like it might be in order. I'd appreciate your advice.

Take about 5 or 6 scraps and throw them in the washer with another load. Once they come out and you press them back into submission, you will have a better idea of whether you would be willing to do that for all your scraps or not.

I usually wash all my fabrics before using them. Sometimes I pick up items at an auction or yard sale and often there are small pieces. I put those in a mesh laundry bag when I wash them. It seems to keep them in better shape than free flowing in the washer. Good luck. I'm curious about this receipt thing and will be looking into it!

I just swish them in the sink with hot water and a bit of detergent, then rinse in the sink and spin in a salad spinner. I spread them in a layer on the counter & let them air dry. Then press. Yes, it is a bit of work.

I agree with booklady.

jump in with your scraps- create a block---wash it & dry it & see if there's a problem---but remember that batting, & quilting will control some of the shrinkage too- i've made lots of string quilts- have never had any shrinkage problems with the finished product- even when some of the fabrics were prewashed & some were not. i mix them up all the time- if mixing flannels/home spuns in that have a looser weave & tend to shrink more i'd be sure to wash them- but any others i wouldn't bother.

I do just like you, use them both ways for string quilts, but I do not mix flannels or home spuns. I use just the normal cotton quilting material,(however, I have on occasion used some fabric that was not 100% cotton and it didn't matter) and some of it has been washed some of it not. If is going in to a string quilt I don't care and so far I've been happy with how they have turned out.

This is what I do, i lay them to dry on my cake drying racks, and broiler trays.

I am interested in learning more about "receipts", great idea to be green while paper piecing.

Is there a tute on this? Thanks, I am interested in how it works.

Well, I don't think it's quite that green where you use grocery receipts, you use the 3" roll of receipt paper that goes into the cash register. I'd be worried the ink would come off on the fabric if you used actual receipts.

here's the tutorial

http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...er-t56940.html