washing fabric before use

[toekeyotow]

I usually don't wash my fabrics before making quilts. If I wash some of the fabrics for the quilt, I make sure I wash all of the fabric for the quilt. I wash if I'm using Reds, dk Blues, or something that fells like it has a lot of dye in it. Never had any problems with any quilts.

Joan

[rosebud3]

I don't wash my fabrics first. I wash the quilt after it is finished, before giving it to the intended recipient. I like the antique look of the quilt you get from washing afterward.

Mary/Rosebud

[QIAD-Linda]

If you wash your fabrics before use, trim the raw edges with pinking shears or a pinking blade in your rotary cutter. You won't have raveled threads.

[zfatcat]

I wash before. Cotton shrinks.

[MemoriesSewn]

I like to wash my fabric in a rinse and spin cycle to easy the chance of bleeding and shrinking on my completed quilt. But...after reading Rosebud3's method of washing after the quilt is finished for the antique look, this is very interesting.

[LisaC930]

For me it depends on what type of fabric I am using on whether or not I wash it first. Generally if it will shrink after being washed, than I will wash it first.
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[FlorenceM]

I only wash flannel before I use it. Flannel shrinks weird! All other cotton fabrics I do not wash. I am a hand quilter and having the sizing on the fabric from the manufacturer makes it easier for me to keep the tension as I move the quilt around on my hoop.