Washing Fat qtrs
#11
Originally Posted by Barb44
I wash everything because of the chemicals. FQ go in a mesh bag. If there is a little fraying, I feel it is a necessary evil.
I worked in a clothing store for several years. When we opened a box of imported garments the odor was awful. We would hang them outside behind the store to air out or the whole store would stink. They not only treated fabrics with sizing, but imported items were treated with insecticides or we would open a box of bugs. I am assuming that since almost all fabric is imported that quilt fabric is the same.
I worked in a clothing store for several years. When we opened a box of imported garments the odor was awful. We would hang them outside behind the store to air out or the whole store would stink. They not only treated fabrics with sizing, but imported items were treated with insecticides or we would open a box of bugs. I am assuming that since almost all fabric is imported that quilt fabric is the same.
#13
Originally Posted by mcdaniel023
Originally Posted by gaigai
Originally Posted by blueangel
I have never washed fat quarters.
#15
I don't see why a person would not wash fat qtrs...its so easy...very little fraying and seconds to iron...I have also seen some fabrics fade after washing and so glad I did wash since I ended up not using it for the project I was doing.
#17
If I'm making a quilt that will be washed, I prewash w/ detergent. If it'll be a wallhanging I don't. I've not had problems with the fabric and my skin, but if I did, I'd prewash everything and then starch afterwards to give the fabric back some body and control for cutting and piecing.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: New Mexico
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#19
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Duluth/ Superior, WI
Posts: 1,038
I wash fat qtrs. in a dish pan of hot water and rinse several times. Use the salad spinner to get rid of the water and press while wet. Takes care of bleeding and shrinking. All big pieces of fabric I surge the edges or zigzag them and in the washer and high heat of the dryer. That was there will be no mishaps. You never know how someone will wash their quilt once it has been gifted, so I do the worse that they can do,
hot water and hot dryer.
Brenda
hot water and hot dryer.
Brenda
#20
Don't prewash because of all the strings and then the ironing. Lazy? probably. I did when I first started quilting, but then found I like cutting the unwashed fabric better. But then, I'm not allergic to the finishes.