Do you wash your fabric before quilting?
03-16-2018, 05:02 PM
#35
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Horse Country, FL
Posts: 7,341
Prewash? Yes. Let's me know if the fabric bleeds, shrinks it, and gets out any "extra" chemicals and dirt/dust. Basically I do a rinse and spin cycle. No soap usually. Reds, dark blues & purples, blacks...all subject to bleeding, so those go in a hot water bath by themselves. I like working with clean fabric, plus it helps keep my allergies at bay. The only fabric I don't prewash is by Quilting Treasures, because they put thier fabrics through a hot water wash after all the dyes are in it. So if I can find the Quilting Treasures, I buy that to save the prewash.
03-16-2018, 05:14 PM
#36
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,227
I just prewash flannel and use color catchers for the finished quilts. I don't have allergies and so far have not had any bleeders. I sometimes test a piece to see if it bleeds but haven't had any yet
Last edited by Stitchnripper; 03-16-2018 at 05:14 PM. Reason: spelling
03-16-2018, 05:27 PM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: East Kootenays, BC
Posts: 947
I prewash everything except jelly rolls, layer cakes, and charm squares. Although I almost never buy those, I've still accumulated a few. I also wash any scraps that I'm given. I prefer to have the shrinkage and any bleeding done before I start using the fabric. I also want any chemicals used during manufacturing removed before I handle the fabric. I usually press the fabric after washing.
03-16-2018, 07:40 PM
#39
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 2,503
As you can see, you've gotten a variety of answers, all valid. You have to decide what works for you. Initially (way, way back) I did not pre wash. Now I pre wash everything. I use color catchers, and I toss fabric in the dryer, then fold when it comes out. I don't iron, press or starch until I'm ready to use it. I do it because I am very sensitive to smells and chemicals, and found it almost impossible to work with unwashed fabric. You'll figure it out as you go!
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