bearisgray

Most people say DO NOT wash an unfinished quilt top.

What do you do if it is so icky that you don't want to touch it - but it is not quite terrible enough for one to be comfortable with throwing it in the trash?

joysewer

I think I would soak it in the washer but don't run the agitator. Then spin the water out after at least 30 minutes; probably longer.

quiltingcandy

Can you post a picture of it? Or describe what pattern and size it is.

I recently took a quilt apart that was tied to replace the batting. I wasn't thinking and didn't wash it before taking it apart and washed it on the delicate setting. Since I have one of the new top loaders and it goes not have the center pillar it came out okay but it did stretch it a bit. After thinking about it I thought I should have basted the quilt together like a pillow case except sew all three sides.

bearisgray

I do not have anything particular in mind.

meyert

I have washed a quilt top. I did it on the gentle cycle.. I was afraid some dirt that got on it would stain if I didn't wash it right away. It came out just fine... but it was not to a show quilt anyway. Just a quilt to be gifted to a new mom at work

Jeanne S

How about just soaking it in the sink with some Woolite? Handle it as little as possible then just lay flat to air dry.

feline fanatic

I washed a top without being quilted and did not have a problem (standard top loader with agitator). Here is a link to the finished top. It ended up being a practice quilt when I got my LA.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...rm-t77776.html

However, I think I was really lucky that I did not end up with a big mess. I have read plenty of stories of others not being so fortunate.

Other things you can try to get the musty out
Hang out on a clothesline on a breezy sunny day
Seal in a trash bag with some charcoal briquettes for a week or two.

bjchad

If the problem is just (or primarily) the odor, how about treating with fabreeze and then hanging outside as feline fanatic suggests.

Bree123

I would probably hand wash it, but if you are too nervous to do that, then I would sprinkle it with Baking Soda & after it had a while to absorb the odors, put the brush attachment onto my vacuum & vacuum it up. Haven't done it on an unfinished quilt before, but it works great between washes on finished quilts so I would think it would help.

Also, if you live in an area with nice weather, you can lay it out on the lawn or hang it from an outdoor clothesline & the sun should help freshen it up a bit (assuming you aren't bothered by the smell of grass).

Maureen NJ

I'm sorry but I wouldn't think twice about washing it. I would wash it in warm or cold water on delicate. Throw in color catchers. Stop cycle and let it soak for awhile. I would re wash withRestoration if it still smelled. I once had a quilt top pieced and it was not basted. All the fabrics were pre-washed with Retayne in hot water. Anyways, our dog got fleas and, while I did not see any on the quilt top, he spent a lot of time in my sewing room. I ended up washing the quilt top in hot water and dried it on low. It turned out great after pressing. I was relieved.