So, after quilting & binding -the next step......

[Susann]

Should have my first, as in very first, as in all mine, mine, mine quilt done in the next week or two-yay, me So, I know I need to wash it-yup, covered with threads, stray cat hair. I'm picking up Color Catchers (is that the right name?) 'cause the fabric isn't prewashed-didn't realize that could be such a hot button issue!! Then do you tend to air dry or throw in the dryer? Does it make a difference? All materials are 100% cotton. Am going to use my friends front loader 'cause this puppy is big!

[Auntpiggylpn]

Congrats on your finish! I wash my quilts exactly how I wash any of my laundry. Washing machine, warm water, Tide detergent, Downy or Gain fabric softner and put it in my dryer on warm. I don't use color catchers but I generally prewash my fabrics. I have made quilts with precuts and from kits and those fabrics weren't prewashed but I threw caution to the wind and washed without a color catcher. No surprises!

[Sharyn J]

I always dry at medium heat. Be sure that you inspect for discoloration or bleeds carefully before putting in the dryer. The heat will set the color. Wash again, if necessary, with more Color Catchers until the sheets are clear. Believe me, it takes less time to re-wash than to deal with the bleed stains after they're dry.

The blue on my Ticklish fabric bled a little, only the blue! My Honey Honey fabric, including a dark print border, did not bleed a bit. Batiks are always questionable. Most will be fine, but all you neeed is one to mess up things.

[pokeygirl]

I never prewash. I mostly use precuts. Throw it in the washer with a color catcher and dry in dryer. Should be fine. I've never had a problem.

[Susann]

Thanks everyone!!

[JCY]

How I wash my quilts: Wash separately on delicate cycle in cold water, with just a minimum of detergent. I don't use Color Catchers b/c I can't tolerate the heavy fragrance. Dry on delicate cycle in dryer for 5 min, then 1-2 min. with no heat, just fluff. Spread damp quilt out on the floor. I lay down plastic sheets (I used opened up 33 gal. trash bags) covered with beach towels. Spread & smooth out so all sides are even. Set a fan on low speed next to quilt to help it dry. Turn over in 12 hrs., & dry the other side. I never line dry quilts, as it will stretch them out of shape. JCY

[iluvbaking]

Since receiving advice to use Color Catchers when washing quilts, I've never had one problem. I wash in cold water and dry in dryer. Color Catchers have a fragrance? I'm somewhat sensitive to fragrances but have never detected one with CCs.

[MartinaG]

I wash and dry on gentle (permanent press) and have not had any problems. Congrats on the finish.