abc123xyz

I have always hesitated to wash the table runners I make. Is it normal procedure to wash a runner once it is finished? I don't want to ruin them but wondering if I am skipping the final step in construction. Your help would be appreciated.

Sally J

I have runners on all my bedroom furniture and my sofa table in my living room. I wash them right after I make them just like I do my quilts. There should be no reason they would get ruined. I do not pre-wash my fabric but I do use color catchers and have never had a problem with color running. I think it is really important if you use starch like I do. In my low humidity area so it probably doesn't matter about getting bugs from the starch but I want the table runner to be soft and wrinkled.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

I wash mine when they are done because I know I will wash them later. I look at table runners as a way of avoiding dusting. Just grab them all up and shove them in the wash.

mighty

Washing them is fine.

Mariposa

Go ahead and wash them. They may get dirty when used~

Tartan

It depends. Did you pre-wash the fabrics? Is your runner done with bright coloured fabrics surrounded by white of cream? If you didn't pre-wash then you might get some bleeding into the background.
If you pre-washed, then I would wash it when needed and block flat to dry.

EasyPeezy

I wash mine (gentle wash) and dry it on a flat surface (with a large towel underneath).

dunster

I often use starch, so I always wash any quilted item when it's finished.

Geri B

Washing a finished something is a personal preference. I do not prewashing fab,I do not starch when constructing,I do not wash after completion. Things in my world only get washed ( some machine, some by hand) when the thing: quilt, runner, placemat, whatever gets dirty.....I will air fluff things in dryer periodically...usually seasonally, with change,before storing or using.

Hulalulu

I use fabric guard on mine (test on a scrap of each fabric first - most modern fabrics will handle with ease) before the first wash. Also use on matching placemat sets -- really helps with those little spots that occur at the table, and lasts for quite a few washings.