elenigrce

Hello everybody! I work at a quilting store and I am getting very interested in the world of quilting. I just signed up for this forum and I though that it would be tons of fun! Well first of all, I have a question. I made two jelly roll races and I completely FORGOT to pre wash my fabrics..... will they be OK? I don't know if I should wash the tops now, or quilt and bind them and then wash them. What do you guys think? I really hope I did not screw up my over first quilts! Thank you for the help, and I can't wait to post a whole lot and hopefully learn too! Thank you!

quiltstringz

First - welcome to the wonderful world of quilting! Hope you have an amazing time with this wonderful hobby/obsession.

Most people don't wash pre-cut fabrics like Jelly rolls, charm packs, etc. Quilt it, bind it and then wash it - be sure to add a couple of color catchers. To be honest most of us don't wash our fabrics first - even yardage. I know I don't unless I am doing a Red&White or Blue&White quilt.

Tartan

Welcome from Ontario, Canada. Yep, most people don't pre-wash their pre-cuts because they fray. Finish quilting and binding and then wash. You will get a little shrinkage but that gives you that nice comfy look. If you prefer a like new appearance, wash and dry until damp and then block out flat to finish drying. Sounds like you are well on your way and you might enjoy Jenny Doan's videos for the Missouri Star Quilt Co on Utube.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

If you are worried about the color bleeding (like maybe if there is white in it), you can use a Shout Color Catcher in the wash. They really work and are found in the laundry aisle.

susie-susie-susie

Welcome from Michigan. I wouldn't prewash pre cuts as they may ravel and then you won't have the same size fabric as you started with. If you wash after the quilt will pucker up a little and have the old look. Take pictures of your quilts as we all want to see them.
Sue

QuiltnNan

welcome to the board and happy quilting

pyffer3

Welcome, Welcome.
I am still kind of new to quilting too. I have never washed my fabric before quilting because I want everything to kind of shrink and make that crinkly "old" look. I do use the color catchers and they work. I can't believe the amount of color it will come out with. My recent quilt (my second completed quilt) was a black/white strip and the blacks did not blend into the whites. I was pleased with the color catcher.
I bet you get some great discounts at the quilting store you work at......build your stash!
Also, those tutorials by Jenny Doan at Missouri Quilt Company are great. I want to try several of them in the near future.
Good luck and post photos of your accomplishments!

mighty

Welcome!!! I also do not wash pre cuts just use color catchers as mentioned and you should be fine. Welcome to the wonderful work of quilting!!!

vondae

I won't add anymore about the prewash subject because they have given you good help. Just wanted to welcome you to the QB. You will find tons of help & good advice on here. I am a fairly new quilter (although a lot older than you) & I couldn't do it without the help from the wonderful people on here. We will be anxiously awaiting the creations you make. I do have one little piece of advice for you. REMEMBER: there is never, never any question that is to trivial to ask. So if you need help, just ask. Enjoy this QB as much as I do. Nice to meet you "elenigrce". Vonda

Louise Houghtaling

Welcome to the board and to the wonderful addiction, uh I mean world, of quilting. This is a great place to pick up info from many quilters with a world of experience and tastes. I know my mind has been expanded greatly by the wonderful quilters here.