prewash scraps before "stringing"?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: NY
Posts: 301
prewash scraps before "stringing"?
Hi All--I've been following the recent threads about creating string strips using receipt paper. I think it's such a cool idea. I'm ready to start sewing a few mixed scraps onto the receipts, but wondered if they should be washed first, considering that they are all such different fabrics and will probably shrink at different rates once in a string quilt. I don't usually prewash my fabrics, but in this case it seems like it might be in order. I'd appreciate your advice.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,585
Take about 5 or 6 scraps and throw them in the washer with another load. Once they come out and you press them back into submission, you will have a better idea of whether you would be willing to do that for all your scraps or not.
#3
I usually wash all my fabrics before using them. Sometimes I pick up items at an auction or yard sale and often there are small pieces. I put those in a mesh laundry bag when I wash them. It seems to keep them in better shape than free flowing in the washer. Good luck. I'm curious about this receipt thing and will be looking into it!
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
I just swish them in the sink with hot water and a bit of detergent, then rinse in the sink and spin in a salad spinner. I spread them in a layer on the counter & let them air dry. Then press. Yes, it is a bit of work.
#6
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
jump in with your scraps- create a block---wash it & dry it & see if there's a problem---but remember that batting, & quilting will control some of the shrinkage too- i've made lots of string quilts- have never had any shrinkage problems with the finished product- even when some of the fabrics were prewashed & some were not. i mix them up all the time- if mixing flannels/home spuns in that have a looser weave & tend to shrink more i'd be sure to wash them- but any others i wouldn't bother.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Valley of the sun, AZ
Posts: 1,070
jump in with your scraps- create a block---wash it & dry it & see if there's a problem---but remember that batting, & quilting will control some of the shrinkage too- i've made lots of string quilts- have never had any shrinkage problems with the finished product- even when some of the fabrics were prewashed & some were not. i mix them up all the time- if mixing flannels/home spuns in that have a looser weave & tend to shrink more i'd be sure to wash them- but any others i wouldn't bother.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Delmarva Peninsula
Posts: 1,151
This is what I do, i lay them to dry on my cake drying racks, and broiler trays.
I am interested in learning more about "receipts", great idea to be green while paper piecing.
I am interested in learning more about "receipts", great idea to be green while paper piecing.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Delmarva Peninsula
Posts: 1,151
Is there a tute on this? Thanks, I am interested in how it works.
Hi All--I've been following the recent threads about creating string strips using receipt paper. I think it's such a cool idea. I'm ready to start sewing a few mixed scraps onto the receipts, but wondered if they should be washed first, considering that they are all such different fabrics and will probably shrink at different rates once in a string quilt. I don't usually prewash my fabrics, but in this case it seems like it might be in order. I'd appreciate your advice.
#10
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 11,276
here's the tutorial
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...er-t56940.html
Last edited by PaperPrincess; 01-25-2013 at 02:12 PM.
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