Wash or not wash

[ctherrie]

I don't wash I find that it is easier to work with unwashed fabrics when piecing. I want my quilts to shrink up after they are done so they get that antique look. If you buy quality fabrics, they will not give you a problem, and your quilt will last so much longer. After all the work you put into them, you want them to last as long as possible.

[cindyg]

I'm definitely a washer. I pink the edges first. I give my fabrics (esp. the med and dark colors) a vinegar bath for about 15 - 20 minutes then wash on the gentle cycle with warm water and just a little bit of detergent. Then I dry it on the cotton setting. Before I start cut the fabric I use Mary Ellen's Best Press and iron it. I don't like the real crinkly look. My quilts do get a little bit crinkly because the batting shrinks some. I usually use 80/20 batting.

[sewbug]

I don't wash but I test all the dark or bright colored fabric. I snip a piece and put it in hot water and then blot on a piece of white cotton. If any color bleeds on the white then I wash the yardage and test again.

[quilterbee]

Soooo, the verdict is in )
Wash if you want to
Don't wash if you want to

I love that chemically ultra smooth feeling of that straight off the bolt smell and feel, Amie ;OD

[farmlady]

I'm not a washer, either.

God Bless,
Farmlady

[piecemaker1]

I have always washed my fabric before cutting. I agree with Cindyg. I don't like my quilts to look all crinkly and old. I get a smoother finish by pre-washing and then cutting. However, it does seem to be whatever your preference is.

[grammiequilts]

I prewash any fabric that goes into a baby quilt...If the quilt is decorative I don't wash.

[gramajojo]

I don't prewash either. I want mine to shrink up and look old, but especially hide any mistakes that may be there (ok, that ARE there)

[Joannequilts]

Boy this is one of those threads! lol!
I ALWAYS wash the reds, blacks, deep saturated colors. Quilt shop quality or not. Not long after I joined this forum I had never washed my fabric, but had bought 3 yds. of a beautiful, bright, true red and something told me to wash it! Good thing I did! After posting on here, and getting help from alot of patient ladies that never gave up on my problem, and washing the fabric five different times, it was finally usable!! lol! And still as vibrant as it was at the start!

Soooooo, now I wash ANY deep color! But if I do that, then I wash all the fabric that I am using in that quilt also, like Cathy32078

Like Q7 I also tear my fabric, just like she does!

And I always use the Shout Color catchers like Barbie Jean!

Joanne:0)

[sunsup]

I'm a washer. LOL I also cut off the salvages before I iron the fabric so the grain runs streight.