KLO

Yep, I did it! I cut out some 2 1/2 inch squares to use in a project and sprayed them along with the other fabrics with spray starch. When I went to put them together, the squares were no longer the right size and were even a bit wonky. I thought I made a mistake cutting but not all the fabrics were smaller. Then back in that little section of my brain that I tend not to use, I remembered reading somewhere ... probably here on the QB .... that starching and then ironing with a hot iron can shrink some fabrics. Ugh! Why do I remember those kind of things after I do them?

So kiddies, don't do what I do; think first, not later. Back to my regularly scheduled program of fixing another mistake.

PaperPrincess

Even if you don't starch, some fabrics will shrink with a hot iron, especially a steam iron or if spritzed with water.
This is why I'm a pre washer.

Prism99

I starch my fabric before cutting. I don't prewash fabric, but starching before cutting solves the problem.

KLO

I am a prewasher too but this was a partially started kit that I got from someone so I did not even think about washing. Not sure why. Just hoping this is a lesson learned. It's actually the first time I have starched too but I was dealing with some hst already cut and I did not want to stretch that bias side. The rest of the fabrics will be starched first, then cut. See .... I did learn my lesson!

DOTTYMO

I pre wash at home but sometimes at classes you have to buy fabric when you see it and use immediately and can't wash. Does anyone have any idea how to fit new fabric in with prewashed.

KalamaQuilts

iron with lots of steam can help before you cut.
I had to starch some 2.5inchers yesterday because I was turning them into triangles. On two of them the fabric skewed out of shape with the pressing. Need to remember press, not iron

PenniF

Learning something new AGAIN !!! Thanks for the tip !!

Prism99

Mixing washed and unwashed fabric is not a problem as far as shrinkage goes as long as you quilt a moderate amount. Once quilted, shrinkage is controlled by the batting. In other words, the fabric cannot shrink more than the batting shrinks. Mixing fabrics would be more of a problem for a tied quilt, especially if the ties are not close together.

If there is concern about potential dye bleeds, do the first wash of the quilt in a machine that uses a *lot* of water (to dilute any bleeds) with hot water and Synthrapol (Synthrapol suspends unset dye particles in water).

KLO

Really good tips here. Now that I have seen what spray starch then hot iron can do to fabric, I will definitely follow these. Thank goodness I still had a bit of fabric to cut more hst. However, I will not have enough matching fabric for the border and hope I can find something in the stash or the store to go with the other fabrics. Never too old to learn, right?