Washing Material
 

Is it really necessary to wash the material before starting a new quilt?

This subject is very personal. If you use the search function you will find many many opinions on it. I don't usually wash and so far haven't had a problem. Other quilters won't sew anything without washing!!!

Well only if you feel it will bleed. I personally use to wash all my fabric. Now I only wash fabrics i think will bleed, like some baltics and reds. If I want to know if it will bleed I'll put a sm square in a wash solution in a bowl and wisk it around with a wooden spoon. Thats my 2 cents for what it's worth.

I dont wash my fabric, I already have enough to do with three kids:D

If you don't wash ... just test for bleeding. This is one of the most common reasons for prewashing. No matter what type of quilt I am making ... I would be really bummed if one or more of the fabrics was a bleeder , and I discovered it the hard way.

I wash prior to cutting due to skin allergies to all the chemicals in the fabric. Also it gives the fabric a chance to shrink if it is going to so I know that I have enough to finish my project. Plus the bleeding factor. You can not always tell which fabric will bleed. LQS or chain store, all have bled at some point.

Pre washing is a personal preference but I would rather "waste" my laundry soap, water and time then ruin my project! I always iron and press with Best Press after the fabric is washed so I regain the stiffness that makes the fabric so nice to cut.

I don't, however, wash charm packs or jelly rolls. I do pay the price as they make my skin itch, itch, itch!!!

It is truely up to you no matter what anyone tells you. I do test certain pieces of fabric like Batiks but don't wash everything. if you feel the need to wash go a head if you don't that is fine too. I have had really nice fabric bleed in the sink when i test and some not so nice fabric bleed. so it is a guessing game. good luck.

YES,YES,YES and YES.

I always wash all my fabric before adding to my stash. I want to remove all excess dyes and chemicals.
I am allergic to formaldyhde and washing is necessary.