cloth fraying and seams splitting

[AudreyB]

Is anyone else having this problem? I have made 6 quilt tops and each one of them is fraying and splitting open after just one washing.
The fabrics were purchased from different places and different companies. I have to find a solution fast or I need to drop this hobby. I can not keep buying fabric just to toss it in the trash much longer. I use a solid 1/4 inch seam and my seams were busting open after they were finished. So I washed a couple of them with just the tops done. They edges are fraying like crazy! Thank you for all your suggestions. As far as my quilt guild, their motto is "If it isn't quilted, it isn't a quilt" So going to them is not an option, due to my lack of quilting, so it would not be considered a quilt.
Audrey

[DeniAZ]

Hmm No suggestions yet, but a lot of questions...
- Are you washing just the tops, or are they completed quilts?
(machine or hand quilted, tied?)

- What type of fabrics were used? flannels, 100% cotton (inexpensive-lightweight, purchased at quilt store...) mix of fbrics, etc...

- What size seams did you use?
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I find that if I use loosely woven fabrics, I have to increase the seam allowance, or I have similar issues.
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Any other ideas?

[cindyg]

Are you washing the quilt top before quilting it? What stitch length are you using? I've never had this happen even when I used inexpensive fabrics.

[sewbug]

I've never heard of washing a quilt top. I would imagine the tumbling in the wash would ravel it like crazy. The only fabric I had to split was when I used cheap cotton fabric and the quilt was washed in a commerical washer. Is there a guild or quilt shop near you that you can take your quilt to for advice?

[CaroleJ]

Audrey, just off the top of my head...

I machine wash and dry all my fabrics *first* to decrease the likelihood of shrinking and color bleeding in the finished quilt. I mist them with water and iron as needed to smooth them before cutting.

Are you tearing or cutting fabrics? When I tore mine, I used a very slightly deeper seam allowance than 1/4 inch, to allow for the little furry edge. Now that I rotary-cut, I only tear to find the straight grain of the fabric, then I whisk the furries off with my cutter for a nice clean edge.

Speaking of straight grain...if your fabric is cut off-grain, this might be a factor in seams giving way.

Make sure you are using a short stitch length, 15 to 18 stitches per inch. Don't know what the computerized setting would be; I have older machines. When I used to make clothes, the rule was always 8-10 stitches per inch, but quilts need a tighter stitch to hold up.

Use fresh machine needles. Dull needles don't pierce fabric, they push through and can actually weaken fibers.

Don't wash an unfinished quilt top in the machine, nor wash it at all. If you absolutely HAVE to wash it...I'd hand wash only, with the smallest amount of detergent possible.

I "road test" all my quilts by machine washing and drying before they go to the recipients. I like the softer, puckered look it gives them. None have fallen apart yet.

I am so sorry to hear you are so frustrated...I hope we can help you find enjoyment in quilting again!

[Evie]

The laundromat near here has large washers that do not have an agitator.

[AudreyB]

I want to thank each and every one of you that posted ideas for me. I found someone who quilts and really had a good talk with them. This is what she suggested to me. I was also told I should do a pretty stitch to secure the seams because they are weak right now. Thank you for all your help!

1. wash the quilt on gentle
2. wash it in a laundry bag
3. never just wash a quilt top always finish it first
4. use a few drops of Ivory dish soap not laundry soap
5. never wash it with anything else
6. wash your fabric before using it
7. dry it to just damp and iron dry

Audrey

[zfatcat]

Washing first also tightens up the weave of the fabric making it less likely to fray. How big are your stitches when you sew fabrics together? They should be set at 10-12 per inch. If they are bigger, it does allow fabric to fray more easily. Hope this is helpful.

[Evie]

What about piecing with a serger?

[petlover]

I have made 6 quilt tops and each one of them is fraying and splitting open after just one washing.

It sounds like you're washing the tops before they are sandwiched & quilted. You should wait till they are actually put together & quilted before washing. With a binding on them.