Date: 11/8/09 1:13 PM

I recently bought some 1/2 yd. cuts of Benartex and Moda Xmas theme fabrics from a local (independent) shop for a project. In the past few years I've recently gone back to pre-washing my quilt fabrics, and here's a good reason why:

I tossed them all into the same Warm wash, Low dry. One of the Benartex fabrics ended up 39" wide. Back at the store, on the bolt, the difference is not very noticeable. When I took the fabric back to compare it to the unwashed, on the bolt, the fabric had shrunk up two inches in the width.

Most quilters buy X amount of fabric for projects, If this had been my case, I would have had to buy more fabric, and hope it wasn't sold out by the time I returned. Fortunately for me, I had "bought long" and won't be hurt by this. Benartex will be hearing from me, though.

It really does pay to prewash.
-- Edited on 11/8/09 1:19 PM --

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Date: 11/21/09 8:26 PM

I agree with prewashing.
I prewash with cold water and woolite with good results. I used to wash in warm water with whatever detergent was on sale. Some detergents, especially those with bleach, faded my fabric.
-- Edited on 11/21/09 8:30 PM --

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Reply to Mobycat
Date: 11/21/09 9:14 PM

It's been my experience that Woolite will fade cottons over time. DH had cotton knit polos for work that would fade terribly. My little, sweetie 80 yr old GM (fashionista) told me to stop using it and she was right! I thought I was being extra gentle! This was a long time ago and they may have changed the formula but I still shy away from it

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She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. Proverbs 31:13 NAS

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Reply to my horse
Date: 11/21/09 9:21 PM

Thanks for the info.

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Date: 11/21/09 9:48 PM

i wash everything, My theory is if it shrinks before there are stitches in it, It wont hold anything after wash.

I used to buy the cheapest fabric, but now I spend a little extra on good quality. It doesnt shrink as bad.

Melissa

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Date: 11/21/09 9:53 PM

I always pre-wash quilt fabrics! I wash all fabric under 1 yard by hand in tepid water usually using Dawn dish detergent. I rinse several times and hang dry. For fabrics over 1 yard I wash in the washing machine on a gentle cycle using regular detergent and a double rinse. The wash temperature usually is cold or warm, depending upon how the finished quilt will be washed, mostly because my quilts are made to be used, not admired. When machine washing fabric 1 yard or larger I always use a Color Catcher in a mesh bag, because I have a front loading washer. I press all hand-washed or machine washed fabric using unscented Best Press. I also do hand-stitchery and have been warned for years NOT to use Woolite.

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Reply to Delete member
Date: 11/22/09 3:49 PM

Thanks for the confirmation on Woolite. I was hoping it wasn't just my laundry technique. I'm curious 'tho. Why do you hand wash small pieces? I buy a lot of 1/3 and 1/4 yard cuts for applique. I serge the cut edges and throw them in the machine and use Best Press when dry. If there is an (unknown to me) down side I'd like to learn it. TIA

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She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. Proverbs 31:13 NAS

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Reply to my horse
Date: 11/22/09 4:22 PM

Hand-washing the small pieces is the way I was taught, so I have stuck with it. Maybe I'm imagining it, or someone told me back in the "dark ages," but I think finishing an edge before washing interferes with natural shrinkage. Everyone has a fabric washing ritual, and this is mine. I have taken some classes where the teacher prohibits pre-washing or using any kind of starch or Best Press. Needless to say, I ignore such advice. Also Jelly Rolls can't be pre-washed. Do what works for you--enjoy and have fun!

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Reply to Delete member
Date: 11/22/09 5:57 PM

Why can't jelly rolls be prewashed? I was thinking of getting one and prewashing it since I always prewash. But this old dog is willing to learn a new method.

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Charlene
TOTAL YARDAGE IN STASH: TOO MUCH TO COUNT
YARDAGE USED IN 2010 : 3

My goal for 2010 is to totally count my many yards of fabric and then use it. I want to buy very little this year. It would be best to not buy any at all.
YARDAGE BOUGHT : 0

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Reply to Aussiemom63135
Date: 11/22/09 7:58 PM

Jelly Rolls are only 2.5 inches wide by 44 or so inches long. Once pre-washed and pressed, "truing them up" is next to impossible--you will end up with very uneven strips and an uneven quilt which will be very difficult to border and bind. With Jelly Rolls you have to trust the manufacturer's measurements, sew and then wash. Or don't wash until you absolutely have to!

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