So I have been working on quilts for my kids and a couple kids that my sister wanted to give quilts too. I was making two zig zag quilts at the same time. Got both tops done and because I am using cuddle plush fabric as the backing and didn't want a bunch of quilting on the plush material I always quilt the top to the batting, then wash and dry it, then quilt a line through each zig zag to the backing. Works PERFECT doing
it this way because I don't prewash my fabric or batting so everything shrinks at the same time prior to attaching the plush which is polyester which we all know won't shrink. Well. I basted both tops to batting yesterday and got the one quilted, then last night started on the second one. I finished it up this morning and tossed it in the washer. I need to have it done by saturday for my sons birthday. Not a big deal I have plenty of time to get it finshed. UNTIL....I pull it out of the washer and realize OH MY GOD. I quilted with the scrim side of the batting next to the top instead of out! thus leaving only a layer of scrim on my quilt top and batting in the seams! I am heading to joann's this evening to buy 4 yards of fabric to start over! My sister will take the quilt with scrim and remove all the stitches and I'll just use it for a gift quilt at a later date! I don't think Zach will be getting his quilt for his birthday. Maybe a belated birthday gift!

So if anyone has read my posts before about quilting the top to the batting and adding the plush backing after. Always make sure you are quilting with the scrim side OUT! Next time I will make sure to take my own advice!

Wow, I have never heard of doing it that way.

I have used plush poly fabric for the backing and the batting was cotton, and a cotton pieced top. Washed it and it all looks good.

Having never quilted the top to the batting only, could you explain what happened. If I ever do a quilt this way, I want to understand what the problem is related to the scrim. Does the batting pull away from the scrim as you quilt?

I have a suggestion. What about using a layer of thin cotton (Bastiste-?spl or something else) as an inside backing layer when you are doing the quilting of the top? Then after quilting the top add the cuddle plush backing.

Do you tack the backing in any way to the top or does is it completely held by the outside seams?

Pictures of your outcome would be helpful if you don't mind sharing. We remember pictures so much more.

Thank you for sharing your sewing tragedy and the humbleness for admitting that it wasn't the first time. Hopefully we QB members can learn from your mistake without doing it ourselves.

Good luck with your quilting and please keep us updated on the progress of your project.

Pam M

Sorry, I'm having problems visualizing why you don't just pre wash your fabric? I've never heard of anyone washing a top with batting only. I would think it would fall apart every time, not just this once.

Yeah not sure what happened? did it mess up the batting then? Why can't you just add the plush now?

OMG! Did your washer drain plug up, too? Not that starting over on your quilt isn't enough of a problem, but I keep wonder what will happen on your next load of laundry?!?!?!

Wow, you probably have the world's largest cotton ball!

It is now polyfill.

I am sorry but I don't understand scrim. I have never heard it before.
Looking it up now.