To Pre-Wash, or Not to Pre-Wash – That is the Question
Excellent Video About Whether or Not to Pre-Wash Quilt Fabric!
The topic of pre-washing quilt fabric is a bit controversial. Some quilters swear by it and others wouldn’t dream of washing fabric before it’s sewn into a quilt.
Those who pre-wash do so to avoid uneven shrinkage and bleeding in the finished quilt, and to see the drape and texture of the washed fabric. Those who don’t pre-wash feel that the quality of modern fabrics makes it unnecessary and want to retain the straight-off-the-bolt finish for easier piecing.
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether or not to pre-wash. In the following video Laura from Sew Very Easy shares her thoughts about when she pre-washes and when she doesn’t. Rather than pre-wash everything, she decides based on the fabric and the project.
She also shows us how to test a fabric for bleeding, and how to wash and dry fabric should you decide to do so.
Click here to watch the video at YouTube if it doesn’t play on your device.
Do you pre-wash? Or not? Leave a comment below letting us know your preference, and why.
I love this video on prewashing fabric. When it comes to making quilts, I ALWAYS prewash my quilt fabric yardage. I don’t like surprises either. But, if using fat quarters or other precuts, prewshisng is not always practical in that the fabric will shred. Those can either be soaked or, not, depending. If all light colors that I feel secure with, I won’t. One quilt I made from fat quarters I didn’t prewash. The first time the finished quilt was washed, it did a little shrinking which gave it more of a vintage look. It was perfect for the fabrics I had used and really made the old time prints look more vintage in the quilt. I have had some reds bleed two or three times but I try to never wash a quilt in anything but cold water, hand wash cycle and in a washer that does not have an agitator. Agitation can really tear up fabric. Thanks again for the video.
I always pre-wash, using color catcher/grabbers. I also usually machine dry. Most of my quilts are gifts, so I usually include a pkg of color catchers in case any fabric runs the next time it’s washed. I am glad to see you recommending them. I have used 3 different brands and all have done the job well.
Unless I’m using precuts, I always P rewash. Had a couple hard lessons. I use best press starch when ironing after drying and it brings the crispness of the fabric back, making it easier to cut and piece.
Great video. I always do wall quilts and I never pre-wash. But I’m planning to make some bed quilts for my new house and this was really helpful. I worked in theatre costuming for years, and remember, with horror, how difficult decisions/ consequences about laundering ALWAYS were! These are some sensible, experienced observations and tips! Thanks!
When prewashing fabrics, I serger all of the edges before tossing fabric in cold water regular washing cycle then drying in regular cycle. Serging edges prevents fabric from fraying and getting tangled in a mess of threads! Aloha from Hawai’i!