I started using a 1/2 cup of vinegar for my softener with my laundry. Whether quilting fabric or clothing I put 1/2 cup white vinegar in the fabric softener part of machine and let it do what the downy would do. I remember having to put it in the final rinse water for cloth diapers so it would cut the detergent and soften the fabric. What I have found is that it also helps set the colors in the fabric. I always spray starch my fabric before cutting whether prewashed or not. When a quilt is finished I wash it the same way with the vinegar and it feels softer to me. I also have allergies and it isn't very much fun trying to shop in a quilt store or Fabric shop, especially when a new shipment of fabrics come in.

Good Luck

Suzy

I was told to wash and iron when I first started. About 6 months later, I took the 10 or 12 FQ's down and they all needed to be ironed where the folds were. After that, I wash and fold neatly. When and if I need them, I will iron just what I need. Sure saves time. Will always, always wash. You would not believe the dyes that come out of even the very best fabric, over and over I have washed them because I paid really good money for the fabric and that is what I wanted to use. Finally after about 8 washings for one purple, it stopped.

I feel your pain. I always prewash because I have had problems in the past with allergies. I have a friend who loves to iron, so sometimes she irons for me. However, she has a second home where she is spending more and more time, so I don't have her assistance as much as I did.

I wash my fabrics because of the chemicals and because I don't know where the fabrics have been, a lot of them were manufactured in sweat shops, stored in warehouses, some from garage sales, threft or other resales shops. bed bugs and roaches lay eggs and travel.

I had not heard of using vinegar as a fabric softener. Going to try it, thanks for posting the tip!

You are welcome.

Suzy

I had that problem with a dark red fabric that I loved -- it was special because I had bought it in Russia -- after 10 washings, I decided to use it only on something that would never get washed. It was so beautiful, it was a shame not to be able to put it in a quilt

Mim

I tend to agree with mom-6 and Candace about adding fabric along with the regular wash. I also cut the corners off on a diagnonal, which helps keep down the fraying, plus I try to pull the fabric out before it is completely dry, just slightly damp and it's much easier to iron. Then I fold it so it is ready to lay out on the cutting table and cut away. I find it can be relaxing to iron fabric, at times, it's definitely better than ironing dress shirts for my son, Mr. fuss budget.

When I wash fat quarters or yardage, I use some skirt hangers (with the clips). The fabric dries almost as flat as if it had been ironed. Just a little touchup when I get ready to cut.

I've never minded washing and drying my new fabrics. I try to take them out right away so usually don't have to iron them. I wait and do that before cutting. Why do it twice? :lol: