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  1. #1
    Prairie Pointer

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    Question I really need your opinions about washing fabric?

    Hi! I really need to know whether you pre-wash your quilt fabric or not. I have heard both sides of this coin and just haven't formed an opinion yet. My biggest concern is color bleeding. I am learning now to order quality fabric from online quilt shop companies such as Missouri Quilt. Maybe buying from a local fabric shop such as Hancock's for Jo-Ann's is not a good idea, yes or no?? So will the fabric shrink a lot as well if I don't pre-wash?

  2. #2
    nyelphaba is offline Senior Member
    9 Patch Princess

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    Default Re: I really need your opinions about washing fabric?

    I pre-wash all the fabrics I use, except for precuts, such as jelly rolls, charm packs.

  3. #3
    aliaslaceygreen's Avatar aliaslaceygreen is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: I really need your opinions about washing fabric?

    I wash. The moment anything comes into the house, it is brought into the laundry room. This way, everything I own can at any time, be integrated into a quilt, without having to worry that something is washed/shrunk and something is not. I do not buy to make a quilt, I stash build, so if I have an inspiration I want to work on it, not have to worry about this.

    Reasons to wash would be, other than bleeding after all that hard work quilting, would include removing sizing from fabric, which may cause allergic reactions, and more specifically, may give the illusion that the fabric is a higher quality, smoother and finer than it is. I would rather discover what the fabric is really like BEFORE I work with it.

    I do not really use the precuts, but if I did would at least soak them so they could be blended with my other, prewashed materials...
    ...Trish

    (I'm sarcastic. Breathe deeply, then laugh...)

    my blog-- http://www.aliaslaceygreen.com my photos --- http://www.rteest42.com

  4. #4
    KatiesQuiltingCorner's Avatar KatiesQuiltingCorner is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: I really need your opinions about washing fabric?

    If I'm using precuts in any project I don't prewash any fabrics at all. I've never had issues with bleeding (I use cold water and Shout color catchers).

    If I purchase yardage for an entire project or quilt separate I'll wash all of it.

    It is all or nothing with me otherwise it turns out wonky looking mixing washed and unwashed fabrics.
    Katie's Quilting Corner
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  5. #5
    NanaB's Avatar NanaB is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: I really need your opinions about washing fabric?

    I don't wash anything. I made a red and black and white quilt and didn't wash prior to sewing. I washed it after it was quilted with a color catcher and didn't have any problems.

    Becki

  6. #6
    Prairie Pointer

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    Default Re: I really need your opinions about washing fabric?

    Thanks for the advice. I have a lot of pre-cuts right now for quilting. So I guess I won't wash them first because of the raw edges. I will purchase a color catcher and wash in cold water. I heard that putting a little bit of vinegar in the rinse cycle also helps to hold the color true and get out any residue of detergent. I am grateful for your opinions.

  7. #7
    Bubby's Avatar Bubby is offline Senior Member
    Missouri Star

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    Default Re: I really need your opinions about washing fabric?

    I don't wash anything but I wash every quilt I make as soon as it's done and use color catcher sheets. They catch any bleeding that occurs. Pre-cuts should not be pre-washed.

  8. #8
    mommadeb's Avatar mommadeb is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: I really need your opinions about washing fabric?

    I always wash my fabric first. I had bought some fabric from Joann´s last summer, washed it, used it in a photo quilt and washed the quilt when I was done, as I always do. Ya know what? The fabric bled and ruined most of my photos. Luckily it was just a throw quilt for my daughter and SIL and not a customer. Now I am making them a proper quilt.

    I bought some Shout color catchers when I was in the States over Christmas and I needed to wash some new brown fabric when i got home. I didn´t know brown ran so much!

    ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS wash my fabric. Precuts will be included in that.
    Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

  9. #9
    lilmouse's Avatar lilmouse is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: I really need your opinions about washing fabric?

    I never prewash and have never had a problem but I do wash afterwards with color catcher....sometimes a couple if a lot of red or contrasting colors....has worked well for me...otherwise I would be in the laundry room all the time...I think not!

  10. #10
    MaryB's Avatar MaryB is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: I really need your opinions about washing fabric?

    Trish, I agree wholeheartedly with your comments and couldn't have explained it more clearly. Uneven shrinkage would be one of my major concerns and I'd much rather know sooner than later.

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