Fabric shrank-- before my eyes!
#42
The only fabrics that I could actually see "shrink" before my very eyes was cheap cotton that you could actually see the warp and weft... AND a blend which I didn't think was a blend until I "smelled" it while ironing it in a finished block; the heat from the iron shrunk it!
I now wash all fabric in warm to hot water (for shrinkage &/or removing dyestuffs) and don't worry later on. A pound of prevention....
I now wash all fabric in warm to hot water (for shrinkage &/or removing dyestuffs) and don't worry later on. A pound of prevention....
#43
Shrinking is not complaint-worthy. If you've never experienced fabric shrinking, you've ben very lucky- especially if you don't pre-wash before a project, which it sounds like in this project you didn't. I expect 100% cotton fabric will shrink, so if you don't have a chance to prewash before a class, steam and try to shrink a bit before you cut anything.
#45
I always prewash fabric, any coming into my house, as I sometimes find awesome cottons at yard sales. I did learn a lesson recently from fabric purchased at a big-name store--never buy fabric on which the manufacturer is ashamed to print their name. This fabric, sewn into blocks with good quality fabrics, stretched while sewing. It was for a charity lap robe, so not a big deal, but would have been if a gift or cherished quilt pattern.
#46
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
Originally Posted by erstan947
I had a same experience. I went back to the quilt shop and read the bolt end. Sure enough....it had a high percent poly and the heat from the iron shrank it. I adjusted my seams to compensate for the 1/4 inch loss and finished the top. I have yet to quilt it. Guess this one will stay here....the dogs will appreciate it.
#47
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Duluth/ Superior, WI
Posts: 1,038
ALL cotton shrinks! It makes no difference if it's fabric, clothing, curtains, etc. It may not always shrink both ways but it will shrink. Batting with cotton will also shrink. I remember when poly/cotton fabric first came out, we were so happy about no more shrinkage and a lot less ironing. Now we find ourselves going back to the old ways of 100% cotton.
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