damaquilts

I have to wash. The chemicals get to me everytime. The only ones I don't prewash are the handdyes I use in my pet portraits. She does a great job, no chemicals and they don't get washed anyway.

Abby'smom

I don't wash either

quiltingdee

I only wash my "tiedyes" because they run so badly. Retain works Great! and only takes a few minutes. I to like the look of an older quilt if you do not pre wash.

quilter41

You have lots of company. I like the feel of unwashed fabrics when I sew them. Seems like a waste to wash and then use spray starch. I have never had a problem, but I use quilt shop quality fabrics.

BethD

Nope, I don't prewash unless it's a deep red or something I'm afraid might run. I use color catchers when I wash the finished quilt and have never had a problem.

Stitchnripper

Very rarely do I prewash. Always prewash flannel and chenille although the chenille was a one time thing. What a flaky mess!!

So far no problems with no prewashing.

juliea9967

I never wash unless I am making something besides a quilt, like tablerunner, wallhanging, etc. I want them to lay flat. Also, I wash the fabric I am going to use for appliques prior to cutting out with my GO. I once had a horrid experience with a red and white quilt, but since then I am like Ronna and use those color catching things.
Julie

ruthrec

I don't think you're lazy. Everyone has a preference and not pre-washing is yours. I've heard it both ways. I am a pre-washer and I use color catchers in case of the dye running. I pre-wash then starch as I get ready to sew. If a fabric is going to be stored for very long it will attract all kinds of creepy crawley things. Then when it comes off the shelf it's full of holes and things crawl out of or fly off it. Can't stand that. So, I wash when it comes in the door, all colors together with the aforementioned color catcher, then stored. My preference. I always wash afterward, too, with good results. The batt shrinks enough to make it look "old-fashioned".

AnnT

I don't usually prewash but sometimes the fabric might have a stain or smell, then I do prewash...or if I'm unsure of the age of the fabric (I have lots from my mom when she moved and downsized...I remember some of it from 30+ years ago!)and think it might really shrink up.

Quickstep

I wash! And I stitch up the cut ends of the fabric before I wash so they don't fray as much. New fabric has Formaldehyde in it and I don't want to wear that or sleep under it either! That's what keeps the new fabric crisp and ironed on the bolt.