Prewashing cotton batting.

[stash37]

I prefer a smooth look, not the antique look to my washed quilts. I always prewash the fabric. I am strongly considering prewashing the batting. Need to make this decision, before I can complete two pieced quilts I have waiting.

[kenderosa]

I prewash my batting when I want a smoother look and don't when I want more of an antique look. Works for me!

Sue

[mic-pa]

In the past of Have washed Warm and Natural, by putting it in the machine and soaking it for a while, then put it on gentle cycle to rinse and spin out . Worked OK for me

[morgans4]

Wow. I never heard of such a thing. I'd be terrified to try that... but if I HAD to... if my cat had an accident on the batting or something, I'd put it in a pillowcase, stitch it closed and wash it in that, I think, like a mesh or lingerie bag.

[JulieNM]

I SOAK my batting in the washer for at least 2 hours. Keep going back every 13 min to push it down. No, I repeat NO aggitaion. Drain water.Spin dry. Toss in drier. Ready to use!

[Joannequilts]

morgans4, as long as you don't agitate the batting it is fine! Sue, I never even thought about pre-soaking the batting to eliminate the "puckering"! Makes sense!

[omamairquilts]

Would it be different for the front loading machines?
I too am new to quilting.

[cindyg]

Hmmmmmmmm I think I'll try washing my Warm and Natural next time.

[Momunit]

I'm new to quilting and this is my second quilt. I pre-washed my fabric and I was wondering if I should pre-wash my batting? I'd rather not have the antique look. I have a front loading machine. Any info would be helpful! I'm making the "Day and Night" quilt.

Thanks!! Stasia

[Ann74]

I do not like the antique look either so I always use polyester batting. It is very difficult to find, and quilt shops do not like it. It is also much less expensive,(I guess I could say cheaper). Polyester is easier to hand quilt--much much easier, and just as warm. My quilts never look antique. When I first started quilting it was recommended by my sewing machine saleslady. I do use warm & natural for table runners, placemats, table covers, and wall hangings though. I think people who machine quilt like it, too. Try Hobbs Polyester (downlike) batting. You absolutely cannot prewash it. Just lay it out for a day or two to eliminate wrinkles.