Fabric prep

[tnwaltz1]

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

[1quiltinnana]

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

[kenderosa]

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

[auntjana]

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

[dforseth]

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

[purrfect-lady]

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.

[girl]

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

[gershwin64]

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. )

[cindyg]

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.

[bjgallo]

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