What went wrong ?
 

A friend agreed to make us a scrappy quilt to cover while reading or watching tv. She did a great job--we did help with expenses---however it is so scratchy ! Not a fun type quilt. I have washed it several times and even did a vinegar bath wash but to no avail. It is still scratchy. What could be the cause--thread she used, batting she used, stitching too close???? For now, it just lays on back of couch, not used. Thank you !

I would think the quality of the fabric would be a big factor here. I recently made a quilt for my son and purchased some inexpensive wide backing from Joann's online without being able to touch it first. Once I received it, it was stiff. Even after washing it twice. I knew I could not use it for his quilt and then purchased other fabric that was a quality that felt better/softer.

I would have to agree with fabric quality on this. I’ve ordered fabric that had a horrible hand and was able to return it.

Keep washing it, it may soften up some, try dryer balls. Yikes! I do have a set of cheap cotton sheets that never did soften up.

It's the fabric. Some of the sizing used on fabric will never wash out. If a fabric feels stiff after washing it goes in the project bin for potholders and such.

I googled your problem and the vinegar rinse was recommended. There was also a recommendation to use baking soda in the wash water and another suggestion was to use hair conditioner instead of fabric softener. You might try washing again using only baking soda in the wash water and/or using the hair conditioner. I have not tried either method so you would be doing so at your own risk but I can see no problem with either. If you are unable to soften the material could the back be topped with a soft material so that what was next to the skin would be soft and cuddly? These are my only suggestions. I hope you find an answer. Is your friend aware of the situation?

How closely is it quilted? If it is densely quilted, that may be part of the problem. Any chance you can add a flannel or minky back to it?

Is it scratchy on both sides or only the back?

Thanks for responses---will try baking soda wash. Quilting is dense, scratchy on both side still and hard.

When I want a soft quilt, I do try and keep my quilting to a minimum allowed by the batting specs. However, some I have quilting more densely have soften a bit after several washings.