Quilt in a Day Forums

I'll be making a quilt out of muted fabrics, and I want it to shrink and look gently used. When do I wash the fabrics, before or after it's done? What batting should I use that will shrink? It will be hand quilted by one of the Mennonite ladies.

If you will use Cotton fabric and Cotton batting, wash after it has been quilted and bound. It will look crinkly and old. Like the antique quilts look. I love that look. So don't wash your fabric before. You want the fabric & batting to shrink together. Hope this helps.

Hugs & Love
Cathy

Ladyfarmer, I'm one that always washes, starches & irons my fabric first. I used wool batting in my DH's quilt and washed it when the quilt was completed and it crinkled up pretty good. Too much for my taste but others say they like that look.