prewashing fabrics
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: central California
Posts: 636
I always prewash, and I still get the crinkle look unless I wash (soak) the batting also. I have had fabric disintegrate while prewashing...I was very happy that I hadn't already sewn it into a quilt and THEN had it fall apart.
#22
I pre-wash everything. I can't stand the pesticides and chemicals they use on them in the warehouses. If a piece is a 1/2 yard or larger, I fold it into a square that is fat quarter sized and pin the edges using safety pins that won't rust. This keeps everything from getting tangled and having all those threads...especially if you can get those cut edges on the inside of the folds.
#23
Originally Posted by Ladyjanedoe
Yes, everyone has their own opinion on this. I have to admit that I am baffled by the people who will prewash because they don't want to be exposed to chemicals but will still use that spray basting aerosol.
#24
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,660
It really does not take all that long to overcast/serge the raw edges of FQ and up sized pieces of fabric.
Probably less time than cutting off those threads that frayed off - plus one only "loses" about 1/8 inch of fabric on each end versus up to an inch when it frays.
Probably less time than cutting off those threads that frayed off - plus one only "loses" about 1/8 inch of fabric on each end versus up to an inch when it frays.
#28
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 11
Wow, thanks for all the feedback on this, and all the other tips.
When I make dolls clothes I normally prewash as it gives me a better idea on how the fabric will drape/fall.
Now that I am planning on making the Smurg (daughter) a special wardrobe for her doll, I also want to make her a dolly couch (with pillows) and a bed, with a quilt! Hehehe this chicken thinks I might get over the fright of quilting starting really small.
if that goes well I might make Smurg a quilt for her bed.
M
P.S Smurg is not her real name it's just what we call her
When I make dolls clothes I normally prewash as it gives me a better idea on how the fabric will drape/fall.
Now that I am planning on making the Smurg (daughter) a special wardrobe for her doll, I also want to make her a dolly couch (with pillows) and a bed, with a quilt! Hehehe this chicken thinks I might get over the fright of quilting starting really small.
if that goes well I might make Smurg a quilt for her bed.
M
P.S Smurg is not her real name it's just what we call her
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Adirondacks of NY
Posts: 1,517
I always prewash and machine dry to hopefully prevent bleeding of colors on a finished quilt and also to avoid having the fabric shrink once sewn; a friend recently suggested using the delicate machine cycle which I've been doing since then - much less raveling on the ends! I read that someone starches after washing. I often starch as I'm using it but try not to store it with starch on it as I've read several times that this encourages insects who like to nibble on the starch. eewwwww
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Links and Resources
2
10-13-2010 04:35 PM