Prewashing and Precuts

[myOwnTwoCents]

Hello,

I am new to quilting with precuts, and noticed that they are not prewashed. The pattern says to sew the quilt top (precuts and other border strips and such) without washing. I'm used to prewashing (and drying) my fabrics before sewing them, and have been using flannel sheets as the backing for my quilts. Can I wash (and dry) the quilt top once it is complete prior to machine quilting? Otherwise I imagine that the flannel and quilt top, if washed after it is completely assembled, will shrink differently and create some issues.

Thanks for the input!
Joanna

[Snip Snip]

Re: Prewashing and Precuts

I wouldn't wash an unfinished quilt top. It will fray and possibly come apart at the edges. Could ruin it.
Some people prewash flannel yardage, particularly if it is not a brand name, quilt shop quality.
If it is high quality, most people on here do not recommend prewashing it. If from Joanns or similar value, it may shrink a lot, so prewashing before using for backing is a good idea.

[iluvbaking]

Re: Prewashing and Precuts

First of all, welcome! I still consider myself new to quilting although I have some under my belt. I have never made one combining precuts and flannel. Someone with experience will come along but, if it were me, I'd prewash the flannel sheet only, piece your top, sandwich & quilt, finish your quilt with binding and then wash completed quilt on gentle in cold water. Be sure to include a couple of Color Catchers by Shout (found with laundry products).

[myOwnTwoCents]

Re: Prewashing and Precuts

Snip Snip - thanks for the reply. I guess usually after a quilt is finished you will most likely wash and then air dry anyways...would you say the cotton won't shrink a lot by just washing (most shrinking happens when you dry)?

I've been using LLBean double flat flannel sheets, but I'll probably end up washing (and drying) anyways just in case.

[myOwnTwoCents]

Re: Prewashing and Precuts

iluvbaking - Thanks for the input and the info about the Color Catchers - I haven't used those before.

[auntiemern]

Re: Prewashing and Precuts

Never, ever wash pre cuts. I would not worry so much about the difference in the shrinkage...it will be all cddly soft when you ate finished.

[Sylvia H]

Re: Prewashing and Precuts

DO NOT wash the quilt top before quilting. As has already been stated, it can cause extreme fraying and even seams being ruined. Good quality flannel does not need to be prewashed either. But if you are concerned, prewash the flannel. There will be some shrinkage of the cotton top and the batting, but even with prewashed flannel, this will not detract or compromise the quilt.

After washing, there is always a change in the appearance of the quilt. This is because of the shrinkage, and I don't know of a way that it can be avoided.

[source of joy]

Re: Prewashing and Precuts

I prewash everything, including precuts. I wash them in laundry bags and dry them on low for 20 min. only..they are at perfect moistness at this point to iron and use.

[source of joy]

Re: Prewashing and Precuts

DO NOT wash the quilt top before quilting. As has already been stated, it can cause extreme fraying and even seams being ruined. Good quality flannel does not need to be prewashed either. But if you are concerned, prewash the flannel. There will be some shrinkage of the cotton top and the batting, but even with prewashed flannel, this will not detract or compromise the quilt.

After washing, there is always a change in the appearance of the quilt. This is because of the shrinkage, and I don't know of a way that it can be avoided.

I have washed, even a few times, a quilt top that was made with prewashed fabrics without any extra fraying issues. It was a 20 yr. old UFO which I was getting ready to quilt when I noticed the low quality muslin background corners were looking stained and I wanted to make sure the stains came out which they didn't and now I have to replace those pieces before I can procede.