Washing your quilt

[quiltingangel]

Hello, again. I heard yesterday that you are supposed to wash your quilts before you give them away. When I wash tablerunners, etc that I have made, I need to iron them. I cannot imagine ironing a queen size quilt. I would appreciate hearing from anyone regarding what you do. Thank you so much for your help. What a special group of people you are.

[ipquilter]

I always always wash my quilts before they go away. I want to get all the starch out and soften them up. I've never had one that i thought needed to be ironed though.

[knitnoid]

My quilts get washed as well. If something is going to fall apart, or run on the first wash, I want it to happen when I can do something about it -- or at least so it doesn't freak the recipient out. I like the crinkly look that results and there's no way that can be ironed out since it's the result of the fabric and batting shrinking at different rates.

A tablerunner, or wall hanging on the other hand that crinkly look might not be the thing. I don't wash those -- I don't expect them to be washed -- well I guess table runner would need washing occassionally -- but I try not to make them .

What is it about the smaller pieces that make you feel they need pressing? Are there creases in the piece?

[Stargatefan]

I always wash mine when done, for the same reasons listed. I also hand them up on a large hanger which helps to "loosen" the crinkles up a bit. But it's the crinkles that give it that "loved" look!

[quiltingangel]

Hi Knitnoid, my tablerunners and placemats just don't seem to lay straight unless I press them once they are washed. Maybe I am not washing them correctly.
Ladies, thanks for all your help.

[JymmyDean]

I have a quilt with pictures. Any suggestions on how to wash that type of quilt without sending it to the cleaners?

[knitnoid]

Sounds like they are stretching or getting off grain and need to be blocked. A couple of thoughts.

1 - use gentle the gentle cycle if you aren't already
2 - don't dry them completely -- pull them out of the dryer while slightly damp and then carefully stretch them back into shape.

[quiltingangel]

Thank you so much for all your help and suggestions. This forum is blessed with a group of wonderful people who are so willing to share their knowledge. I appreciate everyone and thank you.