PURPLEROSE

I have heard that some red fabric can bleed, is there away to treat it so it won't bleed?

amma

You can buy Retayne in most LQS and it will help set the dye :D:D:D

PURPLEROSE

thank you

earthwalker

Amma's right...Retayne is good. I got into the habit of washing everything prior to using it, for this reason and because of shrinkage and I buy vintage as well. To be quite honest if I get something that bleeds (which for me has been very rare) I don't use it in a quilt.

PURPLEROSE

sorry very new to quilting. then i sould wash first and if it bleeds don't use it. I want to make lap quilt to give to seniors in the rest home. they would be washed alot

earthwalker

Don't apologise, it's a very sensible question, and you will find, some quilter's pre-wash and other's don't. As it is for a rest-home and they won't be using time consuming washing/care methods I would pre-wash.

Look forward to seeing your quilt and don't be worried about any kind of question. Everyone here is very kind and helpful.

wolfkitty

Welcome, PURPLEROSE! You will find this is a great site, with lots of friendly and helpful people here!

PURPLEROSE

I can see that. i welcome all the advice i can get.

Prism99

With the exception fo flannel, I don't wash first. I just test the fabrics to make sure they don't bleed. (Drop a small square of fabric in a glass of water and leave for awhile. Also rub damp fabric against white fabric to make sure no dye crocks.)

A bleeder fabric gets washed in Retayne and tested again. A few might need a second treatment in Retayne. The only way I won't use a fabric is if it is still bleeding after two treatments with Retayne.

I have never found fabric shrinkage to be a problem. A little shrinkage makes the quilt "crinkle" like antique quilts.

Flannel I usually wash and dry twice because it can shrink so drastically.

PURPLEROSE

thank you for advice. thaking lots of notes :lol: