bearisgray

I, too, am "in awe" of those that can manage to keep a quilt "clean/immaculate" from start to finish.

But when I think about how many people may have touched/pawed/petted the fabric before I even bring it home - and perhaps some of them may have had a cold or fungus -

and who knows how it was handled or where it was stored?

If I was the phobic type, that would make me wear rubber/latex gloves when I went shopping.


But I know of some people that can wear white and walk through muck and not get a spot on them (think of Mr. Roarke from Fantasy Island) - and then there others like me that can be standing in the middle of the room and someone will spill something on me (if I haven't already done so)

Perhaps the "problem" was with using the word "everyone" in the title.

Apparently many of us have our reasons FOR washing - at whatever point(s) in the process -

And others of us have reasons for NOT washing - at whatever point(s) in the process -

And trying to get "the other side" to change their method(s) is about as productive as (can't think of any non-vulgar comparisons or comparisons that aren't political or religious)!!

mshollysd

One time I made quilt to sell at craft show, and washed the thing and the background fabric was bad and it shredded. I was so mad but it would have been worse if a customer got a hold of it.

KimS

Agree 100% with "ontheriver". My husband says when he sees me heading to the washer with quilt in hand I have a huge smile on my face because that project is finally finished and onto the next. :-) I also love the softness after the washing process. There's no right way or wrong way.....just do what you WANT to do. :thumbup:

karenpatrick

After I've mauled it around for weeks or months, I'm sure it's not clean and I want it to be clean when I give it away.

cmagee84

I have been watching this question I posted several days ago.

I APOLOGIZE for using the word "everyone". It was meant as a general statement, not an absolute.

I have heard it said that if you ask 30 quilters 1 question, you will get 30 different answers and...they are all right! I was just wanting input so that I could make an informed decision for myself.

Thank you to all that clearly stated your reasons to wash or not wash.

Thank you to all who shared experiences with washing or not washing.

Happy Quilting and Happy washing/not washing! :) :) :)

BTW, I washed the quilt in question. It was a kit that had been given to me and had sat around in a bag for years. Also, the white fabric had black marks in some areas that I was unable to cut around. Now it looks fresh and clean and ready for my friend. She is using it on a twin bed that will be in the room with a mini-crib for her first grandchild! And yes, I will be making baby quilts all year in preparation for that first grandchild! AND I will be washing each and everyone, unless it is a wallhanging. :)

quiltyjax

and
4. We live with a cat and dog so just in case the recipient may be allergic.

wraez

I never do, but given these reasons, guess I will start.

slovard01

I use spray baste for some quilts and wash them to get it out.
It also washes out any starch used to stiffen the fabric.
I also wash to remove any markings. I use a blue water erase pen to mark complicated quilting lines. Even if i spray it with water, there always seems to be blue markings left behind, so I wash in cool water to remove them.
As some of my quilts are old UFO's, it is wise to wash out any accumulated dust and dirt.

penski

i want to make sure it is clean, and it will hold up to a wash , also if there are any problems with the quilt i want to know about them now before i start on another project

MaryAnna

Same here, and to remove any markings that might be leftover from top quilting!
Blessings,
MaryAnna