I have been given a large supply of fabric scraps - many are very small pieces. I would like to use these in a scrappy quilt but but I'm not sure whether they have been pre-washed. I hate to think of the ravelly mess I would end up with if I had to wash all the pieces first. I would think the quilting process would keep the pieces stabilized enough to prevent much shrinkage but I'm hesitant to proceed without some advice.
I would not wash scraps as they fray to much. Susan
I agree, I would not wash them. I've had scraps like that and went ahead and used them and everything was fine. No problems at all. I did wash the quilt after it was done. Good Luck and have fun
Diana (Bink) in East Tn.
Thank you! I really appreciate such a quick reply! I have used scraps like this in crazy quilting projects without a thought because those were not meant to be washed anyway. I feel more at ease about using them in a more 'usable' item, now. Have a Great Day & thanks, again!
I agree with the others. Sometimes the pieces are just not worth the trouble of even wetting them and ironing them dry. I have done that with fat quarters. I just wanted to take the time to welcome you to the site.
My sister irons them with steam just in case they have the tendency to really shrink. Now I have started doing that. Anyone else?
Thank you, Ramona, for your nice welcome. I'm beginning to take up traditional quilting after several years of doing the 'crazy' kind. :o) I look forward to learning the 'ins & outs' from this group of very talented stitchers!
RE:glutenfreequilter: That's a really good idea & a pretty simple solution - especially for those scraps that might be most questionable. I will definately use this trick! Thank you!
Dear Glutenfreequilter,
just noticed your ID, I'm also gluten free, was wondering how long you have been gluten free?
Michelle.....about 6 years. Life changing to say the least!
Michelle - how long have you been gluten free? How are you doing with it?
Machine washing would produce nothing but a ravelled mess. Small pieces should be washed by hand only.
As for shrinkage problem - most fabrics today don't shrink enough to be a problem. However, when being given scraps some may have been pre-washed and some may not have. In that case my preference would be to wash all before using. Washing produces a softer texture and when dealing with unknown scraps I prefer to be sure that I am working with a uniform feel.
The idea of steam pressing is a good alternative to washing. Even misting as you press is a good idea.
My mother always pre-washed her fabric. As few years ago I was making a scrap quilt and raiding her stash for increased variety in the pieces. After sewing small sections together I pressed them. There was one fabric that shrank when I did the pressing. I had to take that section apart and re-cut that piece. My mother had pre-washed the fabric but it reacted to the heat and steam from the pressing. No amount of fudging would make it fit. If I had waited to do the pressing until the quilt top was completed, it would have been a real problem. That piece would have caused a pucker that looked like Mount Everest. I am not exagerating.
Thank you, L Kohl. I really appreciate your input. There is nothing like experience - even if it isn't your own! That's why these forums are so valuable! I have decided to either steam iron or mist & iron, as you suggested. :o)