How to Prewash Quilting Fabric
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Fabric for Successful Quilting
Jan 4, 2008
1. Test for Color Bleeding. Some fabrics bleed dyes when they get wet and can stain the other fabrics in your quilt. Dark, saturated colors and lower-quality fabrics are especially likely to bleed. Use this simple test to detect fabrics that bleed before you put days and days of work into your project:
- Soak a small piece of the fabric in cool, soapy water.
- After about 30 minutes, remove the fabric and check for color in the water. Discolored water means the fabric has bled some of its dye. You can try machine washing it and testing again, but if you want to be absolutely sure the fabric won't bleed, it's safer not to use it.
- If the water is still clear, lay the fabric to dry on a white paper towel. If the towel is still clean after the fabric dries, the fabric is safe to use.
2. Wash In Cool Water. Unfold the fabrics and machine wash them on the delicate cycle, keeping lights separate from darks. Don’t use hot water, which can cause fading. Experts recommend either a phosphate-free detergent or a mild soap like Ivory® Dishwashing liquid. Orvus® soap is made especially for washing quilts. You can find it at your local quilt shop.
3. Tumble Dry. Shake out your fabric before you put it in the dryer to keep the tumbling action from setting in creases and wearing away some of the fabric’s color along the crease lines. Remove from the dryer as soon as the cycle ends.
How to Prevent Thread Tangles Caused by Washing and Drying
The spinning and tumbling that occurs during washing and drying can cause annoying frayed edges and thread nests. Here are several tricks experienced quilters use to avoid them:
- If you’re washing cut strips or pieces, put them in a lingerie bag before washing.
- Snip a triangular cut from each corner of the fabric piece.
- Serge or zigzag stitch the cut edges of your fabrics before washing. This may be more time-consuming than just snipping off the tangled threads, but it will definitely reduce fraying and distortion.
Should You Press After Prewashing?
It makes sense to press your fabric right after you take it out of the dryer if you’re going to use the fabric immediately, or if you’re able to arrange it so neatly that it won’t get wrinkled while you store it. Otherwise, you can save yourself a step by just smoothing it out and folding it, pressing it only when you’re ready to use it for a project.
What if Washing Makes Your Fabric Too Soft?
Many quilters find stiff fabrics easier to cut and sew than soft, flexible ones. If your fabric comes out of the dryer limp and hard to work with, spray it with starch or sizing to stiffen it again.
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