Do I need to pre-wash quilt fabric?

[GrandmasBeans]

Hi. I'm just starting out with my quilting journey, and wonder if I need to pre-wash quilt fabric? I have some batiks for a project, but read that they are bad to bleed if not laundered before quilting. But I read another article that said you should never wash fabric until the quilt has been completed because the top and backing may shrink differently.

What is the rule of thumb... Wash before or after quilting is complete? Thanks for any help you can give.

[FlorenceM]

I only prewash flannel because it shrinks uneven. But if you are making a ragtime quilt, DO NOT prewash. Hope my opinion helps.

Flo

[GrandmasBeans]

Yes. Thank you so much for the info!

[fabricgirl]

I never wash my fabrics unless Im in a swap where there is a request that you wash all your fabrics then I do but when I make a quilt to give it away I give away color catchers with it.

Lois

[mellomayking]

Hello GrandmasBeans! Welcome, and I hope you enjoy your journey.

I am a pre-washer. The only time I don't pre-wash is if I have a quilt kit with pre-cut pieces. I have even been known to wash charm packs (in a lingerie bag!).

Definitely, batiks and flannels should be pre-washed. Color catchers are wonderful...might want to stock up on them!

Glad you found us. Join us over in the "Sew In" thread so we can get to know you.

Mel

[Honeybrown60]

Welcome GrandmasBeans1

I, too, am a long time quilter and I DO NOT prewash my fabrics. This is a hotly debated topic and in the end, it is a personal choice. Always buy good quality fabrics from LQS (when possible) and shrinking, bleeding, etc will not be an issue.

Enjoy the journey!

Honeyb.

[gershwin64]

Welcome
I always prewash

[purrfect-lady]

I always prewash, especially batiks and other fabrics that might bleed. As for shrinkage, because fabrics shrink different is exactly why you WOULD prewash. If one fabric shrinks a lot, and the others don't, your quilt might distort a bit.

On the other hand, if you DO want the puckery look of an old quilt, then you wouldn't pre-wash for shrinkage.

The only rule of thumb I know is to treat all the fabrics in any quilt the same - prewash or not - but all the same.

[institcheswithrosie]

Never per wash.. May check a small swatch for bleeding. I know El doesn't Rewash either.

[GrandmasBeans]

Thank you, everyone, for your input.

I can see that this is a hot topic, and I appreciate you taking the time to answer.

Not sure if I will be a pre-washer or not, but Mel, I love the idea of using a lingerie bag for pre-cuts. And thanks, everyone, for the suggestion of using the color-catchers. I hadn't thought of that!

Hope y'all have a great week, and are able to enjoy lots of quilting!