The shrinkage of batting
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 326
The shrinkage of batting
For those that do not shrink their fabic before quilting, ( I use to but because I live in an Apartment now and have to do it at the laundry room, I don't do it anymore.) I want to know when it says batting shrinks 3 to 5 %, what does the quilt look like after it is washed, is it puckered a lot or a little or not at all. I hope you understand my question, it is hard for me to explain what I really want to know. I am thinking of using the fusible batting.
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,858
What is a little to some is a lot to another.
Also, whether your fabric has been pre-shrunk or not.
The best way for you to get that answer would be to do some sample pieces, (eg. placemats) and see what they look like after.
Also, whether your fabric has been pre-shrunk or not.
The best way for you to get that answer would be to do some sample pieces, (eg. placemats) and see what they look like after.
#3
it does make the quilt a bit "wrinkled" but not bad. battings differ. read the labels. there are battings that don't shrink. I usually use fusible and dont' mind the look at all. it's still a nice flat quilt.
#4
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,614
The shrinkage of batting (and the quilt, when completed) is what makes it a nicer quilt, to me. Others who receive my quilts feel the same way, based on comments made when they receive them. I use Warm & Natural, and love how the finished products look.
#5
For those that do not shrink their fabic before quilting, ( I use to but because I live in an Apartment now and have to do it at the laundry room, I don't do it anymore.) I want to know when it says batting shrinks 3 to 5 %, what does the quilt look like after it is washed, is it puckered a lot or a little or not at all. I hope you understand my question, it is hard for me to explain what I really want to know. I am thinking of using the fusible batting.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,548
I use Hobbs 80/20 fusible batting and I wash my quilts when I finish FMQing them. I put it in the top load washer and do a brief wash and pin cycle. I then put my quilt in the dryer and get it out when still damp. I lay a sheet out on the carpet in the spare bedroom. If I want the quilt nice and flat, I lay my quilt on the sheet and pin the edges to the carpet and let it dry that way. I have minimal shrinkage( it looks almost the same as before washing)
#8
My quilts look crinkly but it doesn't look bad, the quilting is what stabilizes the batting. It doesn't look puckered to me, just like those homey style old quilts. I always wonder why people don't like their quilts to look as they did many years ago
#10
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
To be honest, I would not recommend using fusible batting except possibly on crib quilts. It can be very difficult to apply to large quilts and is very unforgiving if you make a mistake. Basting spray is much more forgiving (I use 505).
I like the softness that comes with batting that shrinks 3-5%. Recently I've been using mostly Hobbs 80/20, but when that runs out I am going to try Quilters Dream cotton. After visiting a recent quilt show, I am realizing that I prefer a flatter batting for machine quilting.
I like the softness that comes with batting that shrinks 3-5%. Recently I've been using mostly Hobbs 80/20, but when that runs out I am going to try Quilters Dream cotton. After visiting a recent quilt show, I am realizing that I prefer a flatter batting for machine quilting.
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07-14-2011 06:08 AM