sewjoyce

OK, I finished a twin size quilt a couple of weeks ago. Was looking thru my stash and found about 10 yds. of a solid cotton that would look good with the quilt. I don't know how long I've had this stuff and it needs a good washing.

The problem is, however, that I used charms in my quilt top and none of those were pre-washed.

So do I wash the backing or not????

LindaR

yes definately wash it if its old. it will definately quilt better. I never wash my material, love the crispness.

littlehud

I usually don't wash my material. Like the way it feels. I wash it when I'm done with the quilt. I love the aged wrinkled look it gets then.

mimisharon

me, too, littlehud, I wait but if it's been lying in a box somewhere you might want to wash it, just so you can work with it.

Sharon

jacquemoe

I've heard that if the top fabric has been washed then the backing should be washed also so if there is any shrinkage, it should be about the same on both sides. Makes sense to me but I'm not expert. I'm with the gals that like the aged look after the quilt is done and then washed.

Jim's Gem

I would say unless it seems dirty or has a bad smell, only prewash it if you have prewashed your fabrics in your top.

mpeters1200

Ditto on this one. If it's not dirty or smelly, don't wash it. It can wait until you are finished.