to wash first or not
11-28-2016, 04:45 PM
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Posts: 149
to wash first or not
I purchased backing for my king sized quilt in a 108" x 4.5 yd. piece of muslin. I dread having to iron this large piece of muslin if I wash it first. Any problems with too much shrinkage if I don't wash it first?
Last edited by JANNY; 11-28-2016 at 04:51 PM.
11-28-2016, 06:28 PM
#2
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Tulsa, Ok
Posts: 4,582
I understand your dread of that ironing chore. However, in my experience there are many grades of muslin and some shrink a lot!! I would much rather get the shrinking done before I invested all the time in quilting it. Too much of a risk for me. But I do prefer less shrinking/crinkling in my finished quilts than more.
11-28-2016, 07:15 PM
#4
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,474
I bought legacy muslin from joann. Nice quality. 90 inches length shrank to 85 inches in length. This muslin did not shrink in width.
I had "pre- shrunk" roc- lon shrink a lot when i washed it. I do not remember the exact numbers now.
I measure most of my fabrics befor and after washing.
I had "pre- shrunk" roc- lon shrink a lot when i washed it. I do not remember the exact numbers now.
I measure most of my fabrics befor and after washing.
11-29-2016, 05:29 AM
#7
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Location: western NY formerly MN, FL, NC, SC
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I understand your dread of that ironing chore. However, in my experience there are many grades of muslin and some shrink a lot!! I would much rather get the shrinking done before I invested all the time in quilting it. Too much of a risk for me. But I do prefer less shrinking/crinkling in my finished quilts than more.
11-29-2016, 05:38 AM
#8
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Posts: 9,475
I would suggest you wash it. Muslin especially shrinks and you don't want to be disappointed if you don't wash it and put it on the back of your quilt which I am sure you put alot of time and effort into and have it shrink up. Good Luck.
11-29-2016, 06:29 AM
#10
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 8,145
I prewash 99% of my fabric, including all my backing - and never had to iron any of it. I put a large 100% cotton towel in the dryer, dry on mid-low heat and take out as soon as it's dry, which isn't all that long.
I find with backing, ones it's washed it relaxes and is more straight of grain. Some of it gets quite stretched out of shape when folded at the factory.
I find with backing, ones it's washed it relaxes and is more straight of grain. Some of it gets quite stretched out of shape when folded at the factory.
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