Figuring shrinkage -
#1
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Figuring shrinkage -
I know the formula for shrinkage is:
(Area before - minus area after) divided by area before
However - if one does not know which way a fabric/batting will shrink - in my experience, it usually shrinks more one way than the other -
Let's say that the end of the bolt says "5% shrinkage" - should I just assume that it will shrink 5% in both directions and base my cutting measurements on that?
Say I will need a piece of batting to be 80 x 100 after washing - and 5% shrinkage - should I cut it at least 84 x 105? (If I had 90 inch wide batting, I would probably cut it at width x 105 length)
(Area before - minus area after) divided by area before
However - if one does not know which way a fabric/batting will shrink - in my experience, it usually shrinks more one way than the other -
Let's say that the end of the bolt says "5% shrinkage" - should I just assume that it will shrink 5% in both directions and base my cutting measurements on that?
Say I will need a piece of batting to be 80 x 100 after washing - and 5% shrinkage - should I cut it at least 84 x 105? (If I had 90 inch wide batting, I would probably cut it at width x 105 length)
#2
If it says 5% shrinkage I don't think you should have any expectations at all. It may shrink 10%, or not at all! I would cut enough that there would be no question that it would be enough, maybe 15% bigger than called for.
#3
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Is this a trick question? You made me think on this one. Do you see the smoke rising?
I was thinking that the batting is in the quilt so no need to cut it larger than the quilt backing.
Are you saying that you pre-wash batting? Now I see that in your post you are asking about cutting it before you pre-wash it...??
So I would pre-wash the whole piece of batting and then cut to size. Of course, I would over-size even that.
Geesh! I’m no help at all.
Would you please share how you pre-wash batting?
I was thinking that the batting is in the quilt so no need to cut it larger than the quilt backing.
Are you saying that you pre-wash batting? Now I see that in your post you are asking about cutting it before you pre-wash it...??
So I would pre-wash the whole piece of batting and then cut to size. Of course, I would over-size even that.
Geesh! I’m no help at all.
Would you please share how you pre-wash batting?
#4
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I wash warm & natural batting before using it.
I bought a roll of it - 40 yards x 90 inches wide - a little much to put in my machine all at once.
Flannel Quilt Idea - Post #20
I bought a roll of it - 40 yards x 90 inches wide - a little much to put in my machine all at once.
Flannel Quilt Idea - Post #20
#9
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Different "requirements" for different folks.
The packaging on some battings say that expected shrinkage is such and such - and give instructions for how to wash it before using it - if one so desires.
Some battingx say "do not wash" before quilting.
#10
If it was me I would cut the batting 90 x 100. You can't go wider
than 90" anyway. So if it shrinks a lot and you are short one way
you can always add another washed piece for length.
Are you planning to wash in cold or hot water?
I wash my quilts in cold water and get about 3% shrinkage with W&N.
Might be a bit more in hot water.
Please let us know how it comes out. I haven't done my experiment
yet. But mine will be with Warm and White which shrinks more than
W&N.
than 90" anyway. So if it shrinks a lot and you are short one way
you can always add another washed piece for length.
Are you planning to wash in cold or hot water?
I wash my quilts in cold water and get about 3% shrinkage with W&N.
Might be a bit more in hot water.
Please let us know how it comes out. I haven't done my experiment
yet. But mine will be with Warm and White which shrinks more than
W&N.
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