Just got out of the shower and found 2 quilt tops in my closet I forgot I had. I had picked them up at yard sales a while back. I just looked them over and they both have a lot of dirty spots on them. I have always heard not to wash them until they have been quilted. If I do that and I iron them will it not set in the stains?

Here is some pictures of them....While your here does anyone have any ideas on how I should quilt them:-)

The pink one is pretty silky.

They look pretty. I'd be afraid to set the stains in. What if you hand wash them or wash them on the gentle cycle and hang them to dry.

Yea I would think that would work too.

Love the pink one. I had a top that had been pieced but not quilted that I washed before quilting in case the spots did not come out. I put it in a langerie bag and washed on gentle. I folded it so the outter edges were inside where they would be less likely to fray. The spots came out and there was no damage to the top.

I think if you either serge (my preferred method) or zig zag around the edges of the quilts and wash on a VERY gentle cycle, (my machine has a "hand wash" cycle that keeps agitation to a bare minimum) you should be ok

http://www.hgtv.com/video/fabulous-q...deo/index.html

I have not tried Mark Lipinski's buttermilk & lemon, but I plan to!

GREAT Video. I loved the starch idea too! Thanks

Wash in cold and on gentle cycle. This should be ok.

Another suggestion...soak with dishwashing liquid (NOT dishWASHER detergent) in a large sink or your tub, agitate gently by hand and then rinse. Use coolish water as, yes, heat will set the stain. Don't wring the water out too much. Fold into a manageable size and roll in towels to absorb the bulk of the water then lay over a hand drying rack (if you have one or even the shower curtain rod to dry thoroughly once you're sure the spots are gone. This is how I've done my cross-stich and/or needlepoint for years. Tedious but it works. Good luck.