Quilt in a Day Forums

I was wondering what QUID's thinking on whether to pre wash fabric or not before using it. I hear several opinions. I have done some pre washing only to hav very limpfabric toworh with. I have also heard if the quilt wil be for display and not for everyday use, don't pre wash.
quilting in TN

I always pre-wash my fabrics and press them. I make sure it doesn't fade in the wash water and shrink.

I always prewash my fabric. Couple of reasons: It removes the finish that can and does gunk up your sewing machine and also to allow for shrinkage and fading. I have had many a fabric fade in the water and they were high end fabrics. I also use Mary Ellen's Best Press when needed.

Sue

Oh this is a big can of worms! LOL

I am one of those whose does NOT pre-wash my fabric - except for a few pieces - if the piece is a very dark color - and I can see that it is an overdyed piece - they do get pre-washed - especially reds - this is my rule of thumb.

I like my quilts to have that old-fashioned look and very shrunk up after they are washed - the used and love look as I call it!

If you don't like the limp fabric feel - just use a spray starch when you iron them. I love Mary Ellen's Best Press - you can get it on QIAD website. It doesn't have a wheat based starch that draws bugs on to the fabric while it is being stored. It is great!

Jana

Try using some spray sizing when you press your blocks, it will make a BIG difference if the fabric is washed or not. Does a great job on your clothing too!
Debbie

Though I don't consider either way right or wrong, I choose to always pre-wash my fabrics. To avoid fading later onto adjacent fabrics in a quilt, and also for shrinkage. Like everyone says, you can press it to regain some of the crispness. But for a couple of reasons, I did NOT prewash the fabrics for a quilt I did last month and the amount of fabric dust was amazing! It filled my throat and I sneezed through the whole construction of the quilt. And I am not an allergic person. But whatever you decide to do - when you make a quilt, the fabrics should all be the same - washed or not - so it shrinks - or not - the same.

I don't prewash and love the look after I do wash the quilt, I use the same brand name of fabric for the whole project and If you are doing a quilt that the fabric is already cut for you and sent to you make shore to buy more because they don't wash the fabric before cutting it. Happy quilting

I always pre-wash.......I guess it is something from my childhood, LOL my home-ec teacher said to do it, my Mom said to and my Grandma...LOL it's just ingrained in me. It gets that "old loved look" after it's washed anyways. )

Unless a pattern tells me not to pre-wash (rag quilt pattern, etc.) I always prewash. Medium and dark fabrics get a vinegar soak in the washer for about 20 minutes then I just add a little bit of detergent (no fabric softener) and let them run thru the cycle. Then I toss them in the dryer. I iron the fabrics using Mary Ellen's Best Press which is WONDERFUL stuff. I buy it by the gallon...which reminds me, I need to get some.

I don't pre-wash fabrics and have not had a problem. I like the look I get when I wash the quilt.