Creating a quilt is a time-consuming set of processes. Each process affects the quality of the finished quilt. Before cutting or sewing quilting fabric, consider how the finished quilt will be used and the desired results. The very first question to answer is whether to pre-wash the fabric to be used in the quilt. There are strong opinions on both sides of this question. Even if making a wall hanging, it may, someday, need to be washed. Throws and bed quilts are much likelier to need to be washed. Consider both sides.
To Wash or Not to Wash All Quilting Fabric Before Sewing
- Shrinkage: Cotton fabric is used for quilting and will shrink when washed. The question to be answered is, do you want it to shrink before or after making the quilt? The look of the finished quilt after shrinkage is not always predictable and is not liked by a lot of quilters. If using fabric from different manufacturers, they may not all shrink at the same rate. Some quilters prefer how shrinkage makes their quilts look.
- Colorfastness: Pre-washing fabric doesn't guarantee that some colors will not run later. When in doubt, test suspect colors by putting them in a bowl of water with a little detergent by themselves. If the color runs into the water, the fabric can be washed several times until it doesn't run anymore. If that fails, colors can sometimes be set by soaking with white vinegar. If the fabric and the finished quilt is never washed, this won't be a problem.
- Fabric Feel and Workability: Washing removes the fabric sizing. Without the sizing, quilting fabric is slightly less crisp which also means it's a little harder to achieve accuracy in cutting and sewing. Unwashed fabric creates a crisper finished quilt.
- Washing, Drying, Ironing: Fabric tends to unravel at the cut edges in the washer. The loose threads can wrap themselves around the fabric, causing it to twist tightly and wrinkle badly. Some quilters clip about a 1/2" triangle off each corner of the fabric before washing to minimize fraying. Pre-washed fabric needs to be ironed before using. Do you hate ironing more than a shrunken quilt?
What Thread to Use to Sew a Quilt
Thread choice is important. Polyester thread can melt when ironed on a cotton setting. Low quality thread can shorten the life of a sewing machine. For more details, see Sewing With the Right Thread.
Choosing Batting
Batting is a personal choice. Quilts made with low loft polyester will be lighter weight than those made with a low loft cotton polyester blend. Pre-shrinking cotton and cotton polyester batting is another decision to make. If the fabrics aren't pre-washed, there's no need to pre-shrink the batting. When the fabric is pre-washed and the batting isn't, the batting will shrink, not the fabric. Wool is a warm, easy to stitch choice, but it does attract moths.
Choosing What to Use to Baste the Quilt Layers
Basting used to be done by hand with needle and thread. Now there is the option of using quilt basting pins which are safety pins curved specifically for quilt making. Quilt basting spray is also an option, but must be used with adequate ventilation. Some sprays lose their stickiness over time, others need to be washed out. Look for non-acid sprays.
A lot of work goes into making a quilt. Whether fabric is washed or not, being consistent can save unexpected problems. Either wash all fabric, or leave all fabric unwashed. You may also be interested in "Make Large Quilts in Sections to Reduce Strain".
