MadQuilter

I found out that one of the hand-me-down fabrics from my MIL ran when I came up with blue fingers during binding application. Too late for me too and I too had washed the fabric. Now, when I use saturated colors, I do a color-fast test before I start. It is (unfortunately) one of those life lessons learned the hard way.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

Color catchers are the key to the universe. They are in the laundry aisle. You may have to look a bit because they come in a box that looks pretty much like dryer sheets. They can be easy to overlook.

Don't panic. Everything will work out just fine. Remember, this is for your mother. Mothers are the ladies that love lumpy clay ash trays even when they don't smoke and keep paper chains you made for Christmas in kindergarden. Whe will love your quilt.

mrs. fitz

SHOUT Color Catchers (24 sheets in a box) - they're great. You can get them in the detergent aisle at the supermarket or you can get them cheaper at Walmart.

When I started using them I was surprised at how much color they really did catch in a normal load of laundry. Sometimes there's almost nothing, sometimes the catcher is a combination of colors.

Good luck with the quilt.

bearisgray

been there. done that. learned to watch for that. and wash and wash until the water is clear - or almost clear.

if I can't get the fabric dye to quit bleeding, I won't use the fabric.

I "assume" that whoever gets the quilt will just throw it in the wash and will not take any precautions like using a color/dye catcher.

Pzazz

You bring up a good point, bearisgray....how will the recipient care for a quilt? Perhaps including a catcher, and care instructions might not be a bad idea....for any of us gifting a quilt.

Patti

littlehud

You can get color catchers at most grocery stores and Wal Mart. They are usually with the detergents.

mpeters1200

I can't find them in Walmarts in my area, however, the local grocery store carries them.

I have told all my friends about color catchers, even the non quilting ones. It's always good to know how to keep your kids' Christmas clothes from being ruined.

I read a tip somewhere before I finished my first quilt about how important the care for a quilt is. Whenever I gift a quilt, I always include care instructions and a couple color catchers. If I ever have to send a quilt in the mail, in big black marker I write on the box not to use a box cutter, razor blade, or scissors to cut the box open.

diogirl

So I wash it with color catchers... should I use hot, warm or cold water to get it to stop bleeding?

bearisgray

how big is it?

If it's fairly large, I think I would use a large front loading machine and use cold water. I would go to a laundromat, if necessary.

I think that type of washer would be better than a top loader.

But I don't know - this is just a guess on my part.

If it was little, I would put it on a sweater drying rack thing and then I would pour water through it with the dark color on the bottom until it ran clear.

I really don't know for sure what would happen.

Do you have any scraps left that you could make a mini quilt (like 6 x 6 inches) and experiment? You could just layer it and zig zag the edges and try a few things?

LucyInTheSky

Probably a few color catcher sheets