We don't prewash, do we?
#11
Most fabric can be folded straight from the dryer. When using it is when I press.
The chemical thing in my house is the clencher for me. There's many polutants I can't do anything about.
Also, some fabrics are stretched so much, washing relaxes them. Often 1 1/2 - 2" is lost in straightening. I'd rather that happen before cutting.
The chemical thing in my house is the clencher for me. There's many polutants I can't do anything about.
Also, some fabrics are stretched so much, washing relaxes them. Often 1 1/2 - 2" is lost in straightening. I'd rather that happen before cutting.
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,666
I always wash everything washable before cutting it. Including the battings - if they are washable.
This includes trims like bias tape and rick rack. I would probably wash cotton thread if I could figure out how to do it.
My quilts still get "some" crinkle in them after they are washed.
I would no more knowingly use unwashed fabric than I would not use my seat-belt while traveling.
There are many that are adamant that there is absolutely no need to wash anything before cutting it.
I agree that it is a "bother" to wash, dry, and fold that yardage. I also think it is a bigger bother to deal with something that shrinks a lot or bleeds after it has been sewn into an item.
I"m not smart enough to tell by just looking what fabric will do what.
This includes trims like bias tape and rick rack. I would probably wash cotton thread if I could figure out how to do it.
My quilts still get "some" crinkle in them after they are washed.
I would no more knowingly use unwashed fabric than I would not use my seat-belt while traveling.
There are many that are adamant that there is absolutely no need to wash anything before cutting it.
I agree that it is a "bother" to wash, dry, and fold that yardage. I also think it is a bigger bother to deal with something that shrinks a lot or bleeds after it has been sewn into an item.
I"m not smart enough to tell by just looking what fabric will do what.
Last edited by bearisgray; 07-30-2017 at 12:56 PM.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Laughlin NV
Posts: 650
I prewash all yardage for all the above reasons but also because I want to know before I invest the time and energy that goes into the quilt making, what kind of hand/feel it has. Once in a long while, I change the plan because its too stiff or too limp or too printed off grain, etc.
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
Type of batting & density + curviness of quilting lines generally makes a bigger difference in crinkling than whether or not you pre-wash. I pre-wash everything due to being severely allergic to sizing (which is in most commercially produced fabric). With cotton batting, quilting lines that are typically around 3/4" apart and lots of curvy designs, I get plenty of crinkling.
I do not press fabric straight out of the dryer. I iron the larger pieces & press them once they're cut. And I starch heavily -- much more heavily than when doing home dec pieces or garment construction. On the rare occasion that I do not pre-wash my fabrics (e.g., when starting a project in a class at the quilt shop where I receive my new kit the day of class), I still press & starch that fabric and have not noticed that it crinkles much more than the one I've pre-washed. I only wash my quilts in cold water & dry on low heat because that improves the longevity of cotton fibers, so I can't say whether I might get a different result if I were to wash/dry on higher settings.
I do not press fabric straight out of the dryer. I iron the larger pieces & press them once they're cut. And I starch heavily -- much more heavily than when doing home dec pieces or garment construction. On the rare occasion that I do not pre-wash my fabrics (e.g., when starting a project in a class at the quilt shop where I receive my new kit the day of class), I still press & starch that fabric and have not noticed that it crinkles much more than the one I've pre-washed. I only wash my quilts in cold water & dry on low heat because that improves the longevity of cotton fibers, so I can't say whether I might get a different result if I were to wash/dry on higher settings.
#16
I don't prewash. I know that many quilters do, but I guess I am too lazy. I haven't had any real problems by not prewashing. A color catcher takes care of fabrics that might run. I am not fond of the crinkled look, but I can iron a quilt to get rid of it if I want...as long as I use cotton batting, that is.....
Dina
Dina
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,782
Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. It all depends on the fabrics and how I'm going to use them. I have a dryer with a wire rack that I can use to dry things so they don't tumble. I've even prewashed (or more like presoaked) fat quarters ad put them on the rack to dry.
I come from a garment construction background and this is all new ground to me, too. I do a lot wearable art and those fabrics don't need to be prewashed as they will never be washed. Other things are a bit case by case.
I come from a garment construction background and this is all new ground to me, too. I do a lot wearable art and those fabrics don't need to be prewashed as they will never be washed. Other things are a bit case by case.
#20
I prewash almost all my quilting fabric, and almost never have to iron anything. I always dry with a clean (dry) large cotton towel. I find that is does make a difference.
Everything you see here has been prewashed - with little to no pressing before folding.
I personally can't stand the feel of unwashed fabric.
Everything you see here has been prewashed - with little to no pressing before folding.
I personally can't stand the feel of unwashed fabric.
I only pre-wash flannel.
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