have a question here...am very new to this quilting matters. Can't wait to get started. Question here is that do we really have to wash the cloth first before starting on a project ? Opinion please...thank you.
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have a question here...am very new to this quilting matters. Can't wait to get started. Question here is that do we really have to wash the cloth first before starting on a project ? Opinion please...thank you.
Some do and some don't. It's according to how you want your quilt to look. I generally prewash everything except the precut material (I do prewash fat quarters). I'm getting ready to preswash batting for the first time. I was just looking that up online to see how to do that.
I'd just say be consistent because I wouldn't want part of my project shrinking and part of it not once it's finished and I wash it.
Here's a nice article on prewashing - and when I prewash I always throw 1 or 2 color catchers in with the fabric.
http://quilting.about.com/od/fabrice...ash_fabric.htm
i agree... choice is your... but i'd say.. don't wash the pre-cuts.. you lose to much... with fraying...
Thanks Shirley for the advise. Will do check on the link given.
Grammababs, its ok not to wash the pre-cuts? Cause the pre-cuts are like part of the project Right? It would not shrink once I've washed It? Thank you for your reply.
I'm not Grammababs....but I don't wash the precuts either because like she said they fray too much and if you prewash the charm squares you're probably going to have nothing left. The shrinking on that I don't know about - all I have made is a Christmas tree skirt with them and I haven't washed it. I prewash the fat quarters because they are larger.Quote:
Originally Posted by shi
In fact, I just made a jelly roll quilt top and didn't prewash the jelly roll so I'm not going to prewash the batting or the backing material.
Some wash their material before cutting and sewing, some don't. I for one wash and dry all my fabrics before using them. I feel this way if some of them shrink then I don't have to worry about it happing after the project is made and maybe causing the quilt or whatever you're sewing to look deformed (only word I can think of).
As I read the responses here I do agree about not prewashing the charm squares. They do fray and may cause a problem when sewing them.
I read the washing instructions that came with my charms and they say not to prewash...I guess it might mean they have already done that?
So far, I have never had any problems with anything made from pre-cuts...
I usually prewash dark colors or hand dyed fabrics, but rarely do I prewash newer cottons...they seem to be processed differently than the older stuff...I would err on the cautious side if you don't like to be surprised in a bad way...
I prewash everything too. I made a wallhanging once and didnt as the shop said wallhangings don't need to be washed as often or not at all. Big mistake. After many years of hanging it had to be washed. The reds bled into the whites. My advise is to wash.
I've washed precuts but did it by hand under the tap just to get any sizing or excess colour out.
I'm one who doesn't pre-wash. I love the crinkly antiquey look of the quilt when I wash it after it is completed. I do use color catchers when I use batiks, reds, burgandy, etc. It's a personal choice. I have never pre-washed batting, I've read too many horror stories about doing that.
LIke everyone says...preference, preference, preference. I always have but lately this fabric I have been getting at the fab store (50/50 cotton/poly) has been really stretchy and thin. So I take it as it was cut, baste stitch the side (salvage) closed and then wash it. Helps it not to stretch and to stay in shape during the wash. I have discovered...100% cotton only for quilting tho..at least for larger areas. the 50/50 doesn't work so well!
Hi all, thank you so much for all the advises given. Now I know what to do. Hmpphh..wish me luck for my very first project.
I'm the same as Terry. I never pre wash but always wash when I am done. I too love that crinkled old look the quilt gets after the first wash.Quote:
Originally Posted by Terryquilter
It's really a personal choice I think. But NEVER EVER wash precuts except for fat quarters. You will end up with a shredded mess of threads instead of fabric.
Good luck with your project!
I don't normally wash my fabric until after I am done.
I prewash everything. I had already washed ALL the fabric for this project, then I got a charm pack. I didn't want to mix washed and unwashed fabric, so I put them in a lingerie bag and tossed them in with a regular load of laundry. Dried them with the clothes too (still in the bag). I took them out, uncurled them with my fingers and stacked them.
This is what they looked like straight out of the bag and only using my hands to spread them out. They were not even ironed yet. Yes there was some fraying, but as you can see it's minimal.
Attachment 17408
Attachment 17409
