ChubbyBunny

I designed a king size quilt with EQ6. I normally purchase a little more fabric than the pattern requires. One of the fabrics required 5 yards (according to EQ6). I didn't purchase any more than the requirement. If I wash the fabric before I use it, how much will I lose due to shrinkage? I hope you can make sense of what I am asking. Thanks in advance.

**Edited to add: It is 100% cotton quilt shop quality fabric.

chuckbere15

I wash mine in warm water and dry on medium heat. I don't find that there is much shrinkage. Now if you dry on hot, you will probably get a noticeable amount of Shrinkage.

quilterella

I should think the shrinkage would be minimal, but, I never prewash any of my fabrics, and I have never had any issues with colours bleeding yet!

ChubbyBunny

Thanks, Chuck. I was planning to wash with warm and dry on low.

ChubbyBunny

I don't normally prewash either, but the fabric in question is red and I don't want to take any chances.

QuiltnNan

It's been my experience with EQ that the fabric requirements are generous... but I'm stingy in my cutting, trying to plan for no waste.

LoriEl

I don't prewash too often anymore but when I did I took it out of the dryer slightly damp and got very little shrinkage. It also depends on the fabric.

ChubbyBunny

Thank you, Nancy. I was hoping that would be the case.

ChubbyBunny

Thanks, Lori.

Lori S

Most manufactures will tell you to expect 2-3 % shrinkage. Flannel is a whole different issue, 6 percent or more is not unusual.