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i just posted a picture of it on my breast cancer post. in pictures

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplefiend (Post 6725210)

PattiP,
This only works with a top loading washer, not the front loader.
You don't actually wash it, you fill up the washer with cold water and don't let the machine agitate.
Push the batting up and down with your hands for about 5 minutes, then let the washer spin the water out and put it in the dryer for about 15 minutes.

Certain types of cotton batting will disintegrate in the water. These are the old-time vintage cotton battings (such as Mountain Mist 100% cotton) that are not needlepunched or bonded. I'm pretty sure these battings have a "do not prewash" instruction on the package. Typically these are battings that specify quilting lines no more than 2" or so apart.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edie (Post 6725069)

Anything under 1 yard I do not wash. Precuts I do not wash. I have never had a problem with shrinkage - (I am including batiks in that also). I wash the backing, the sashing, the border and if I buy fat quarters or precuts, I just re-iron them and sew it altogether. Maybe that's it - I steam them flat and maybe that is when they shrink a little.

And, I do not know what I am doing right!!!!!!!!! I hear so much of the shrinkage and have never had a problem.
Edie

Are you using a polyester batting? That would explain no shrinkage.

Years ago I used to prewash all my fabric but not any more. I prefer to work with the fabric when new. I just quilt it and don't worry about it. When it is washed, I happen to love that crinkled/used look so I don't have a problem with it.