Quilt in a Day Forums

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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

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.

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.