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All the 'Intro to Quilting' tutorials online seem to leave out a fairly vital detail - when do I wash this thing?
I've not bothered washing tied quilts before gifting them but I'm doing my first machine quilted lap quilt out of a jelly roll. So I figured I should wash it and get the shrinkage over now? That was my thought and I've gone ahead and washed the front and back and ironed.
I think this was correct, especially since I lost about 2 inches in one direction from the front.
Thoughts?
The batting will shrink too. Sounds like you washed the top and back separately? If so, I would probably prewash the batting as well if it were me. Good luck!
Some people finish the quilt and then wash the finished quilt before quilting; others prefer to prewash the fabric before piecing. It's one of those things that people have strong opinions about, but honestly as long as you have a system that works for you, I think either way is fine. You'll get crinkling if you wash at the end, but some folks (including me!) like that look.
You mention: "Some people finish the quilt and then wash the finished quilt before quilting;" I'm new at this, so here's a dumb question. How do you keep the 3 pieces (front, batting & backing) together before quilting?
I shove my finished quilt into the front load washing machine on a delicate cycle. The batting I use is wool, so I use a wool wash liquid. I don't have a dryer, so it is line dried. I'm very pleased with the results I have had so far. Everything crinkles up very softly. I'm sure there must be some shrinkage, but it is not noticeable.
IMO the best time to wash a new quilt is when it's completely finished. I wash mine in cold water, delicate cycle, liquid detergent. Don't forget to put in a couple Color Catcher sheets in case some of the dye migrates. I dry our quilts on low heat until almost dry and then spread them out on a bed to finish drying.
Hi Lulu, welcome to the forum. I do what Bubby does. I never prewash my fabric or batting. After quilting and binding, I wash in cold water with color catchers. I love the crinkled look.
katibeth - there are several ways to "sandwich" your quilt. I've attached the link from youtube as to how Jenny with MSQC does it. Good luck and welcome to the forum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2akVq9m2NE
Hi! You've come to the right place for this question. There are many ways to deal with washing fabric!
I'm one of the pre wash fans! If it is a FQ or larger, i serge the raw ends and prewash.
If it's a precut, I make the top, serge all 4 sides and prewash before I sandwich and quilt.
And I always wash the quilt when it's done and bound. All washes on delicate, cold water and with color catchers. I use warm and natural batting so I never have to wash batting first.
So find what works for you and go with it.
And welcome to the forum.
I wash AFTER I have made the quilt. If I have fabric that I know will bleed big-time, I might pre-wash. Or use one of those color catchers. But I don't pre-wash fabric or batting.
Thank you all for being so helpful!
I never guessed there would be so many different answers. Washing after finishing didn't even seem an option. I'm sure I'll hear my mum (made our clothes) yelling in my head but I'll try doing it last next time, as this would be the easiest.
Thanks again!
LuLu, welcome to the Forum :D, I'm in the "don't wash til it's done" camp, and I use color catchers as well. And as mentioned, it's all a matter of personal preference. The thought of ironing yardage makes me want to run for the hills. One of the chores my Mom made me do that I detested, ironing for 5 people was a pain! LOL!
Carrie - now I know why I hate ironing. I had to do this as well for a family of 8 - 6 kids - thankfully, most of it was hankerchiefs and sheets, along with blouses and shirts of course. I was the oldest - lucky me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Carrie J
So, I do not prewash anything to do with my quilting. Thank you to color catchers for those questionable fabric colors.