Posted in Quilting

    I firmly believe in prewashing and machine-drying fabrics. You may know all about the proper care of a finished quilt, but we like to believe that our quilts will become heirlooms. Or they may be gifts or for sale. Or your dog may throw up on it. Someday, it will probably get tossed into the washing machine. If your fabrics are going to bleed, fade, or shrink, you will want them to do so before you make your quilt. Purchasing quality fabrics will help avoid problems, too. But prewashing will also remove the sizing and finishing treatments that can be difficult to quilt through. If you wish to retain the soil-retarding qualities of the finish, primarily for wall quilts, spray your finished quilt with Scotch-guard ® or another product of similar quality.

***The primary reason I prewash my fabrics now, especially the expensive imported ones you get at the quilt shop, is that all imported textiles have to be sprayed with insecticides before entering the country. I don't want that stuff on my hands while I work! In large amounts, it also irritates my eyes.***  

    Wash light fabrics with very warm water and laundry detergent. Don't add fabric softener in the washer or dryer. Wash red fabrics separately. Reds and other bright or dark colors should be washed in lukewarm water. Along with the fabric, add a piece of white cotton to the wash. If, after the wash and before the dryer, the white cotton is not still perfectly white, determine which fabrics are bleeding and wash them again, adding a fresh piece of white cotton. Repeat this procedure until the fabric has stopped bleeding. Do not dry the fabric until you are satisfied that it is colorfast. Vinegar in the rinse cycle will ensure that detergent residue is completely removed.  To prevent strings, cut a triangular piece from each corner of the fabric. Serging the cut ends or trimming with pinking shears will also help prevent raveling.  

    After thoroughly drying the fabric in a very warm dryer, press with a hot iron if necessary. Allow the fabric to cool before folding it to avoid setting new creases into it.  

    Store fabrics as you would a quilt: in a clean, dry place away from direct light. Like quilts, the fabric needs to breathe. Don't store it in plastic bags or air-tight containers. And it gets lonely. Every so often, you should take it out and play with it.  

    If you buy needlepunched cotton batting, prewash it according to the instructions on the package. In general, you will wash it by soaking and spinning - not agitating it. Tumble it dry to complete the shrinkage. This also makes it much easier to hand quilt.  

    Packaged binding or trims should also be prewashed, especially if it is a dark or bright color.

 Catherine Timmons lives in southern Wisconsin with her husband and sons. She has been teaching quiltmaking classes and workshops for 13 years. Her website, www.gloryquilts.com, offers information and articles for those interested in quilting or hosting a quilt retreat. She also blogs at www.homesteadblogger.com/gloryquilts .