Fabric shrank-- before my eyes!
#42
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The only fabrics that I could actually see "shrink" before my very eyes was cheap cotton that you could actually see the warp and weft... AND a blend which I didn't think was a blend until I "smelled" it while ironing it in a finished block; the heat from the iron shrunk it!
I now wash all fabric in warm to hot water (for shrinkage &/or removing dyestuffs) and don't worry later on. A pound of prevention....
I now wash all fabric in warm to hot water (for shrinkage &/or removing dyestuffs) and don't worry later on. A pound of prevention....
#43
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Shrinking is not complaint-worthy. If you've never experienced fabric shrinking, you've ben very lucky- especially if you don't pre-wash before a project, which it sounds like in this project you didn't. I expect 100% cotton fabric will shrink, so if you don't have a chance to prewash before a class, steam and try to shrink a bit before you cut anything.
#45
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I always prewash fabric, any coming into my house, as I sometimes find awesome cottons at yard sales. I did learn a lesson recently from fabric purchased at a big-name store--never buy fabric on which the manufacturer is ashamed to print their name. This fabric, sewn into blocks with good quality fabrics, stretched while sewing. It was for a charity lap robe, so not a big deal, but would have been if a gift or cherished quilt pattern.
#46
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
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Originally Posted by erstan947
I had a same experience. I went back to the quilt shop and read the bolt end. Sure enough....it had a high percent poly and the heat from the iron shrank it. I adjusted my seams to compensate for the 1/4 inch loss and finished the top. I have yet to quilt it. Guess this one will stay here....the dogs will appreciate it.
#47
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Duluth/ Superior, WI
Posts: 1,038
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ALL cotton shrinks! It makes no difference if it's fabric, clothing, curtains, etc. It may not always shrink both ways but it will shrink. Batting with cotton will also shrink. I remember when poly/cotton fabric first came out, we were so happy about no more shrinkage and a lot less ironing. Now we find ourselves going back to the old ways of 100% cotton.
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