Batting Question

[dforseth]

Today I got some batting that is 80% cotton and 20%polysester. I need to preshrink it. How do I do that? Fill the washer and allow it to sink, let it sit....for how long, spin the water out? Do I put in in the dryer...what setting and how long?

Thanks

Debbie

[sunsup]

Hi Deb,
I've never pre-shrunk batting, but I remember it being discussed, but ofcorse I don't remember if anyone had done it. I'll be waiting to hear what you find out. Maybe this time I'll remember. LOL

[HomespunMary]

Here's how I do it: let it soak for 10 minutes (in the machine or in the bath tub or similar, but don't stir/agitate), spin, and then dry on fairly low heat in drier.

I don't have a top-loaded washing machine, so I use my bath tub (and fairly hot water) for soaking, and then put it in the machine and give it a good spin. I always think that's when it'll break or tear, but it works great every time!

One more thing, it probably wont sink by itself in the water in the machine, so you'll need to push it down...

[dforseth]

Thank you Mary for the advise. I will do just as you said.

Debbie

[cyberspacequilter]

I don't really preshrink it but I do put it in the dryer with a damp towel to get the wrinkles out where it has been folded.
Cyber-Sue

[Joannequilts]

I do what Mary does. Warmish water in the washer, push it down into the water, no agitation for about 10 minutes or so, spin, in a low heat dryer until dry!

I don't always preshrink. If it's a bedquilt I usually don't preshrink, I like the puckered, old quilt look. But a tablerunner or wallhanging or even some baby quilts/lap quilts I will usually preshrink the batting - I slways use 100% cotton batting.

Joanne:0)

[petlover]

what is the thinking for preshrinking the batting? I've never done it for my personal quilts. And certainly not done it when longarm quiling others' quilts. Hadn't really thought about it.
Linda

[Tulpje]

*Smile*

I really really LOVE the wool batting.
ALL my batting goes into the dryer, mainly to de-wrinkle and it softens up the batting.

I think quilting with pre-washed fabrics, and non-presrunk batting, once you wash your quilt, it gives that old fashioned look to your quilt. Something I heard EL discus in one of her DVD's or BOM sessions.

*T*