Do You? Don't You? Why? Why Not?
I am a pre-washer. When I first started sewing I would often wonder why my head would hurt and would get a sore throat when I would sew. I quickly realized it was the sizing on the fabric. I started pre-washing then and never even give it a second thought until I use the pre-cuts. I wash those too. But they do have some shrinkage so I have to adjust accordingly. I didn't pre-wash my Sherbert Pips charm pack when I made this quilt. And I could tell right away. Laying in bed that night I had the worst headache and sore throat. So my reason has nothing to do with fabric bleed or shrinkage. I just HAVE to do it. So what do you do???? Anyone else sensitive to sizing?
12 comments:
I've heard of others pre-washing for the same reason as you.
I pre-wash because one time, many years ago, I had a fabric bleed issue. In my opinion it ruined the quilt, others said "oh you can hardly tell" but I could. Too much money but more importantly time and heart involved in my quilting to have that ever happen again.
I tried not prewashing for the first time with a baby quilt I made. I washed it when I was finished and I LOVED the crinkly texture from the shrinkage. I don't know that I would want everything that way, but some things would be perfect. I thought it looked like a well loved blanket from the start.
I use the shout color absorber sheets when I pre wash or wash after to absorb any bleeding, never have had a problem.
I never pre wash and didn't even years ago when all I made was garments. So far no bleeders, guess I've been lucky.
I used to prewash everything, now I hardly prewash anything, unless I know it is going to be washed a lot like a pillow case. And I have never washed pre-cuts. But I know some people, like you, definitely have a sensitivity to the sizing in the fabric. That said, I would wash everything after it's already made, but that doesn't help anyone with the sizing sensitivity.
The fabric (yardage) goes straight to the laundry room when it comes home...I don't know why, it's just what I've always done. However, I didn't think about prewashing my jelly roll before using it... But I didn't notice any sensitivities. I might have to think about it if I get any more precuts. Thanks for the discussion.
I have never pre-washed, nothing...ever....probably never will....:)
I have always pre-washed my fabrics. The only time I don't is when I use charm packs. I have yet to figure out how to do it without losing size. Some of my patterns call for 5" blocks. It's what I learned early on in my quilting adventure, and the fact that I did have fabrics bleed, and I did not want to worry if quilt would bleed after washing.
Yes, I always pre-wash my fabrics. Due to sizing, shrinkage, etc. I often find out which ones are actually good fabrics once they have been washed! As for pre-cuts, I have only used charms and have just gone forth, used them as they are and hoped for the best!
Deb at clutteredquilter.blogspot.com
Hey Erin...I don't have any sensitivities to sizing or anything like that. I have always, though, washed fabric I'll be using for clothing. The 'pre-shrunk make it the right size' thing, I guess. Yet, I have never pre-washed my quilting fabric. I do love the crinkly look when it's all finished and comes out of the dryer.
I used to prewash all my fabrics, but that's because I started out making clothing. Now I don't do it for the quilting fabrics. I think that may be largely because I have 7 kids, and I don't need any extra washing or ironing. And I do love the crinkly feel of the quilts when they come out of the dryer. I always wash and dry them right after I finish them -- to test for bleeding before I give them away.
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I'm still debating with myself whether to pre-wash my charm packs. I'm new to quilting and still learning. I've tried both pre-washing & washing after sewing - both have their pros & cons.
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