Washing after completion

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08-26-2011, 03:22 PM

#11

jljack

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2007

Location: North Carolina - But otherwise, NOTW

Posts: 7,940

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleMo

I have almost finished quilting a white backgroud quilt which has become grubby during the course of quilting. (Mostly because of my cat :hunf: )

I am taking this quilt on holidays with me next Friday to give to my bro. I would really like to wash this quilt before I hand it over. No problems there BUT this weekend its raining, for the first time in 8 months!

My plan is to take it to the laundromat, for the bigger washing machine.

My question: would it be safe to put it in a commercial drier?

The fabric and cotton batting have not been prewashed. I do like the antiquey look that washing gives, but will I ruin the quilt by putting it in the dryer? Its a huge king quilt, and I dont want to end up with a single quilt.

No worries if its all the same fabric...cotton, as you said, should be just fine. I like the antiquey look as well, and always wash my quilts before presenting.

Go ahead...really, it will be fine!! :-)

08-26-2011, 05:49 PM

#12

luana

Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: iowa

Posts: 663

I really appreciate all the advice given here. I have the same question. Thanks!!!!

08-26-2011, 06:20 PM

#13

LivelyLady

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Western MA

Posts: 2,720

I always wash and dry. Rag quilts I always take to the laundromat to wash and use the hot setting on the dryer so it frays up nicely and takes out the lint.

08-26-2011, 06:39 PM

#14

NJ Quilter

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2011

Location: Central NJ

Posts: 5,571

I always wash and dry my quilts completely before gifting. They go in the dryer on a perm press cycle (in my home dryer) as it has a humidstat control and stops drying when the fabric is dry regardless of type of fabric (clothes, bedding, quilts). If it can't stand up to that abuse I don't think I would gift it. I never prewash my batting but generally prewash all my fabric but still haven't noticed any issues.

08-26-2011, 07:01 PM

#15

Peckish

Super Member

Join Date: May 2011

Location: Pacific NW

Posts: 9,556

If you do end up going to a laundromat, do not leave it unattended. It will grow legs and disappear!

08-26-2011, 07:07 PM

#16

Annaleehunter

Senior Member

Join Date: Feb 2010

Posts: 606

I like to make rag quilts... always wash and dry at the laundromat! I can't afford to lose my dryer due to all the lint!

08-26-2011, 07:11 PM

#17

Stitchnripper

Power Poster

Join Date: Nov 2009

Location: Mableton, GA

Posts: 11,313

I always wash the quilts I give away. Regular cycle, regular detergent, and dry on low. So far I've not had a problem. Good luck with it, and, can we see a picture?

08-26-2011, 07:14 PM

#18

LittleMo

Junior Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Sunny Queensland

Posts: 229

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stitchnripper

I always wash the quilts I give away. Regular cycle, regular detergent, and dry on low. So far I've not had a problem. Good luck with it, and, can we see a picture?

Yes, after I wash it, I will put up a pic. If you want a sneak peek, its the quilt my cat Chopper was sitting on, in the thread "Who me?" in pictures.

08-26-2011, 07:24 PM

#19

Jingle

Power Poster

Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: Outside St. Louis

Posts: 38,224

I always wash & dry all of my quilts after I take the last stitch in the binding. Lay it on my glass topped dining table over night to finish drying.

08-27-2011, 03:00 AM

#20

Edie

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2009

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

Posts: 2,616

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltsRfun

I'd be afraid the commercial dryers would get too hot. Any way you could set up a system to air dry it inside?

I have taken all my quilts to the laundromat, washed them in the big washer with a stain catcher (almost more important than soap, I think) and then I put it in the dryer. The dryers are generally one temp. I just dry it in increments. I put in a quarter at a time, equal to 8 minutes. It usually takes three quarters - 24 minutes - until I get the quilt almost dry and then I take it home and hang it out on the line. I do this on a breezy day and the quilt poofs up so nice. I have never had a problem.

Try one and see how it works (possibly an older quilt). It should be just fine. Edie