Unwashed top but washed backing?

[lilmouse]

I agree, don't think you will have much of an issue, I would proceed as normal.....want pics when you are done...please!!! with sugar on top and maybe a cherry!

[SewCrazy4Quilts]

I really don't think you will have that big of a problem. That being said, I'd still say a little prayer over it before I wash the whole quilt!

[auntiemern]

Can't see a problem with this. It will be just fine. Wash it after you finish it.

[Wwena]

Thanks all! Just what I wanted to hear. I soooo was not looking forward to washing the unfinished parts hehe.

Now I need to practise quilting more before trying it on a real quilt! I've only don'e SITD so farn and I've of a mind to try something else on this one.

[SandyWhite]

Sorry to look but not answer...It's just that I've always pre-wash my fabric and never use sheets for backing...I was told back in the day when I started quilting that sheets are too dense a weave for quilting so I never tried it. A longarm quilter and friend won't quilt any sheet backed quilts because it's too hard on her needles. So anyway sorry to have not put an answer. Whatever you decide, it should be fine.

[Wwena]

Oh well this will be interesting then! I backed my first quilt (Christmas tree rug) with a sheet of poor quality and it went fine. This ebtter sheet might be denser though.

[nanaleslie]

I was actually wondering the same thing. For me it is a lot cheaper to use a sheet than fabric. I thought about using a sheet after I paid my local quilt shop almost $120.00 for white on white backing fabric. Its just crazy that the backing cost more than the front of the quilt. A friend also told me she picks up old blankets from a thrift store to use as batting................

[SallyO'Sews]

I have zero to contribute, but am greatly relieved to read what the more experienced among us are saying!

[Auntpiggylpn]

I see that by now you have had some good advice and you should just continue finishing the quilt and wash when totally finished. You would be asking for a huge mess and big trouble to wash an unfinished quilt top. You would get unnecessary stress on all of your seams and you could also get fraying of the edges including your seam allowances. Think about when you pre wash fabrics without zigzagging the edges. There is often fraying of those edges. This would spell disaster for your 1/4" seam allowance. This isn't an issue in a finished built because the seam allowances are protected by the batting and the quilting.

[Wwena]

Good point!! Thank you.

And I do love them thrift stores! 120 USD for backing is just mad.