Hi, Ladies and Gents,

I have been tasked by my family to enter a quilt into our Great State Fair competition this year. My question to you who have entered quilts into contests - do you wash your quilt before you enter it?

I watch and read this site every day and love, love, love all the quilts and talent and love that I get - even if I am a "Registered Lurker". Thanks for your input

All those that I have entered so far have not been washed, but Im not opposed to entering one after the fact. I like the crinkly look that comes with washing.

Ha,HA. Lurker no more. Welcome from CA. Don't enter any contests.I will be watching this thread to see what is said. Good luck. BrendaK

Sometimes they have been washed because they have been used. Other times they weren't because I had just made them and I don't wash quilts til they are used. So I'm no help at all probably!But go for it and do well!

Ha, Ha, BrendaK.

This will probably be my first and last. I have to finish so I can save face with the family. Their support is so very good for my soul. But it certainly does put a lot of pressure on me to "do it right". And thanks for the good luck wish!
TerryC

I do wash mine, mostly to get any markings or dirt off it.

I don't put it in the dryer. I block it and make sure it's square, and let it air dry.

Good luck on entering - it's always wonderful to see your quilt hanging in a show.

Janet

Well I am entering quilts for the first time in our local fair. I only have two that meet the requirements...and that are completely finished...*smile*
One of them I am not washing. The other one I didn't wash but I used trapunto to quilt it..so I have to block it so it hangs straight. I don't think you should wash them unless you need to....even the one I am blocking..I am not washing it..I am just spraying it pretty thoroughly with a spray bottle.

Good Luck to both of you! It's fun to see something you've made hanging on display at the fair!

I used to simply spray the quilt with water until I read an article by Candy Goff on blocking. She used to have a website that was a wealth of quilt information...sadly, it's been taken down. Anyway, she washed her quilts because it helped "release" the batting so the quilting stood out better.

I can't say I've noticed much difference, except that washing gets rid of the marks. If you're machine quilting you may not have that problem.

Janet

Thank you all for your thoughts. Sorry for the delayed response - sick husband, sick cat, sick dog and trying to get a kid in college took a lot of time last week. All are better and my daughter has almost decided on what classes she is taking. Life is good.

Terry