Prewashing fabric

**View My TQS Profile** · by **Quilter321** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 10:41 pm

I just purchased some rolls of fabric strips (2.5"x width of fabric) and charm packs. Does anyone have any suggestions for prewashing these strips and squares? I routinely prewash all my fabric yardage. By the way - we got a new HE front load washer last year and it is fabulous for prewashing - almost no tangles.

**View My TQS Profile** · by **peter** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:57 am

While I fall completely into the pre wash camp (yardage doesn't even get into the sewing room with out a bath) the only method I have come up with for charm squares and strips is to mist them with water and lightly tumble in dryer. At least they pre-shrink.

**View My TQS Profile** · by **littleflower** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:32 am

could you put them in one of those hosiery bags on the gentle cycle?

Teri

**View My TQS Profile** · by **GloriaH** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 6:09 pm

I use the spritzer thingy on my iron and then press it dry for the jelly rolls. The charm packs I do by hand and lay them in a towel to absorb excess water. But that's only rarely. The whole process is too putsy. Usually I just don't wash any of the fabric in a charm pack project so they all act the same later when the finished project is thrown in the washer. Gloria

**View My TQS Profile** · by **Judymc** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:40 pm

I use a plastic dishpan filled with soapy water (just a little liquid detergent) and then I rinse the small pieces under running water and blot dry between paper towels. Then I use a dry iron to finish drying the pieces. This works really well for block of the month pieces or charm pieces. I even do this for background fabric squares for applique. I would imagine the jelly rolls could be washed this way if the strips were folded accordion style while gently submerging in the soapy water--preventing stretching and threads along the edges. I would try this first with just ONE strip, though. Hope this helps!

**View My TQS Profile** · by **eileenkny** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 8:55 am

When I have a lot of small pieces, I fill the sink with the hottest water I can stand. I toss in like colors and let them soak for a few minutes. Then I gently squeeze the water out and iron them dry. This way I'm testing for colorfastness and preshrinking them at the same time.
eileenkny

**View My TQS Profile** · by **Judymc** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 11:34 pm

I've even heard you can wash, rinse and spin dry small fabric pieces in a salad spinner. I might try it since my salad spinner seems to never get used for salad!

**View My TQS Profile** · by **mandysilk** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 7:32 am

I guess I fall in the catagory of not washing my charm squares or jelly rolls. They usually are just one line of fabric, so fiber content should be the same for all in a matching pack and therefore shrinkage would be about the same. I do press them with lots of steam though.

**View My TQS Profile** · by **ipquilter** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:12 am

I wash fat quarters and smaller pieces in the sink and let them air dry. I'm always afraid they'll just disapear in the washer!

**View My TQS Profile** · by **eileenkny** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 3:26 pm

One shop owner did tell me that if you don't have any plans on ever washing the quilt, you don't have to pre-wash the fabric. So, if it's going to be a wall hanging that you'll just vacuum, don't bother to wash it.
Eileen Keane, NY

**View My TQS Profile** · by **pknord** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:55 am

I've used the lingerie mesh bag to wash small pieces and found it most satisfactory.

Pat in Rockport, TX, who's up much too early this morning.

**View My TQS Profile** · by **quiltnlady** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:03 pm

I have coal black hands and fingernails!! I've been working on curtain panels at church yesterday and today. I've never had fabric like this. My jeans have black splotches and my sewing machine has black 'stains' on it. Yuck!!

I'll definitely wash dark fabrics from now on. Thought I'd pass this along in case someone has dark fabric for a quilt.

Have a great weekend everyone, Sharon in TN

**View My TQS Profile** · by **mandysilk** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 9:17 pm

Eeuh!! Sounds like you got a batch of fabric that did not get properly rinsed at the factory.

**View My TQS Profile** · by **eileenkny** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 12:15 pm

Sharon,
Was it donated fabric? If not, find out where they bought it and let the shop/store know.
Hope you were able to get all the stains out.
eileenkny

**View My TQS Profile** · by **quiltnlady** » Sun Feb 17, 2008 4:51 pm

Eileen, it was a special order from Hancock Fabrics. I think I'll tell the manager. It really surprised me. I've been sewing for almost 50 years and I've never dealt with fabric like that. We had a deadline, so I didn't want to re-order. My husband will be the one hanging the curtains, so each time they go up, he'll get black hands!

Take care, Sharon in TN

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