Washing Fabric before use.
#21
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,660
Originally Posted by Jingleberry
I always pre wash,totally dry, fold and put into my fabric cabinet. I iron when I get ready to use.
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 2,353
In sewing class, back in the olden days, we learned to pre-wash all fabric. I still do that, although I tend to mostly get it wet with hand-warm water, wring thoroughly, then let the dryer do the shrinking. I once threw a bunch of fat quarters through the wash and they shrank so much I couldn't make the pattern I had bought the kit for. I wouldn't pre-wash any pre-cut fabric again.
If you participate in most swaps, the fabric used in them is to be pre-washed.
If you participate in most swaps, the fabric used in them is to be pre-washed.
#25
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 64
I've always washed fabric before quilting, because that's what i was taught, but this new one I'm working on isn't washed so i'll see what i get when it's all done.i'll wash it in cold water and hang to dry. With the natural wonder batting it might just come out the way i want.
#26
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sturbridge, Ma
Posts: 3,992
its always better to be safe then sorry. Again it depends on the ultimate use of the quilt. If wallhanging and never washed then I don't.
However, I bought 7 coordinating pieces at the local big box store. They had a good coordinated group and the quilt is going to someone I know only casually. I used the pattern used as learning a new technique.....so with this said.
I washed it all and glad i did because there was considerable difference in the quality within the 7 pieces, a couple shrank badely while others didnt. And since there was a lot of bias edges Iam sure I did wash.
So ultimate use and then better to be safe than sorry about the results. If i don't wash then i at least spray and steam press or wet the piece and iron dry.
However, I bought 7 coordinating pieces at the local big box store. They had a good coordinated group and the quilt is going to someone I know only casually. I used the pattern used as learning a new technique.....so with this said.
I washed it all and glad i did because there was considerable difference in the quality within the 7 pieces, a couple shrank badely while others didnt. And since there was a lot of bias edges Iam sure I did wash.
So ultimate use and then better to be safe than sorry about the results. If i don't wash then i at least spray and steam press or wet the piece and iron dry.
#27
It really depends. If I buy from my lqs, I don't because I have never had anything that I have purchased from her shrink or bleed. When I buy from other places, I am more leary. But I always prewash flannels as some of them will shrink a lot.
#28
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Daphne, AL
Posts: 124
I soak every fabric before using or storing it - to shrink it and remove any excess dye. Better to be safe than sorry! It only takes a short time to do this procedure and a long, long time to repair a ruined quilt. Worse still to have to discard it because the dye ran - which it does with a surprising number of fabrics regardless of price per yard.
#29
If you are going to use the fabric to applique, the fusible web will not stick to unwashed fabric (sizing or something). I learned this the hard way after cutting out a zillion Christmas pillow gifts and the appliques all kept falling off as I was sewing!
#30
Just read your reply, I've been quilting for years and never washed anything, until it was all done. Never had a problem, but am more scared with the bolder colors I am using. You mentioned a color catcher. What exactly is that? I've never heard of it before.
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AngelinaMaria
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09-28-2011 06:01 AM