to pre-wash or not to pre-wash

i've recently begun quilting and know some people pre-wash and some don't. i'd rather not since i don't have easy access to a washing machine, and it's quite a process for me to get to the laundromat.

what are your thoughts? do you wash some fabrics but not all? are you terrified of quilting without pre-washing? do you have any horror stories to share?

any advice on this matter would be much appreciated. i'm just trying to help myself avoid having to learn the hard way, which is my usual method of transportation.

i also made a blog posting if you'd rather respond to me directly there: http://triangleshirt.blogspot.com/2010/12/to-wash-or-not-to-wash.html

thanks,
kim
triangle shirt

I always prewash if I think the finished quilt might be washed at some point (ex. bed quilt, table runner).  For a wall hanging or something like that it is sometimes nice to keep that crisp, shiny look of unwashed fabric.  I know some people like to make the quilt and then wash it to get a nice, soft, puckered look.  I have also heard that some of the chemicals used in the production and finishing of fabric are not too nice, so if it is going to be close to the skin (clothing or a baby play mat) I think washing is good. 

For me, I almost always pre-wash. I stick everything in the wash right after I bring it home so that I don't have to do it later.
I highly recommend washing if there are bright colors or if there is a lot of white sashing.

I was taught to always wash my fabrics before using them.  I too have heard that the chemicals to make fabrics nice and crisp for sale aren't good for you.  I spent many years working in a fabric store where we ripped the fabric.  Probably inhaled lots of nasty stuff that way.  I purchased a quilt kit with the charm squares and have been reluctant to start it because they say not to wash them first. I think I might piece the front and then wash it before I attach the back and quilt it. 

hi all,

thanks for all the helpful advise.

i must admit, i still haven't washed the quilt i'm working on, and probably won't have a chance to until it is finished and i haul it to tx to give to my mom for christmas.

hopefully it won't be destroyed in the process!

-kim

triangle shirt

I wash everything as it comes into the house. I can't keep track and I don't always have a specific plan for fabric that I buy so it all gets washed. I'm about to make a charm square quilt and I actually laid out the charms on my ironing board, soaked them and pressed them really well and they shrunk about 1/8" each in one direction. Over the size of a quilt that does make a difference, I think. I even wash my quilt batting and woven interfacing. Some people try really hard for that crinkly look, so they don't pre-wash at all. And jelly rolls/charm squares/etc. can't be pre-washed. So you are not doing anything wrong if you choose not to pre-wash.

You won't ruin anything by not pre-washing unless you are using like red or blue next to white. Buy a box of SHOUT color catchers in the detergent/softener aisle. They are little papery fabric sheets that look like dryer sheets and absorb all the excess dye in the washer. Use a couple of those when you wash it the first time and you won't have a ton of bleed. It will be OK

Erin

I have to admit that I almost never prewash unless it is a piece of clothing I am making.  I've never had a problem before... fingers crossed... but I do like the idea of the color catchers.  I especially don't prewash when quilting.  I like the puckered look of the quilt after it's done and I wash it.  I think that is what makes quilts so quilt-y.  It's a hot topic I know, but I think you just have to do what works for you.  I don't have the time or patience to wash every piece of fabric that comes in my door.  Ugg.  That would make me crazy.  If I am making a purse and I haven't prewashed, which is pretty much always, then I hand wash the finished product if it needs it... or wash in cold and air dry.  That's my 2 cents!

i too have to go out to the laundromat, if the fabric is for clothing then i ALWays pre-wash.  I even prewashed charm packs.  I am about to make my first quilt and i am NOT prewashing that fabric.  partly to get the crinkle effect and partly to save time/money