wattse2000

Is it necessary to pre-wash fleece? I can't imagine it will shrink very much...

ckcowl

depends on it's use- it's quality- and your preferences-
some people do- some people don't- some fleece shrinks- some doesn't
if you launder it according to instructions---as in cold water wash- tumble dry low- it probably won't shrink-

Olivia's Grammy

I wash everything. I don't like the chemical smell that's in fabric. It probably won't shrink, but it might fade.

Donna H-M

I pre wash if it's for a child. I washes and drys so nicely.

NikkiLu

I was given one of those two sided - tied at the sides with knots - fleece blanket - full size and I washed it and it shrunk really wonky. Like one side shrunk sideways and the other side shrunk longways. Can't fold it now as it is so crooked and wonky.

fayzer

Whoever made it accidentally put it together with one side stretchy and one side straight. You could cut the knots off, check to see which sides are stretchy. Then put right sides together (with the stretch in the same direction) and square it up and sew around the edge leaving a open space to turn it inside out and stitch the hole shut. Then sew a second line of stitching around, about 1 inch from the edge. It might be a little smaller, but at least you could use it.
I sew soldier blankets like this all the time. Works perfectly.

Cheshirecatquilter

When fabric is wound on a bolt, each wrap as you move outward is a little larger than the one preceeding. That also holds true for the outer portion of fabric that is folded in half, as most fabric is. The effect adds up, so by the time you have ten or twenty or more wraps on the bolt the fabric becomes misshapen, and it becomes more permanent, and it doesn't necessarily want to snap back into shape once it's cut from the bolt. That's why you get a diagonal frayed edge sometimes on a piece that you've bought. It looked straight when cut, but it didn't follow the weave. That's also why some old timers like me prefer to have our fabric torn rather than cut, so you actually get the yardage you think you have bought once you take it home and align it properly. Prewashing and drying can go a long way towards getting the fabric to relax back into its original woven or knitted shape.

coldquilter

I always figure that it will never hurt to prewash. I have sometimes in a pinch done fleece without if I really didn't have the time for it but it's a good habit to get into.

MaryMo

I never thought about pre-washing fleece but it does make sense. I've always washed the finished product but now I'll start with the fabric. Thanks for the info.