Question for those who don't pre-wash

I am arranging a block swap at our local store. I know there are two very divided camps of pre-wash/non pre-wash but want both groups to be a part of the swap.

How about if the instructions said "Fabric must be pre-washed or heavily steamed". Would you non pre-washers understand what I mean and be OK with having to take this extra step before cutting your blocks? Is there another term besides "heavily steamed" that I should use?

To my understand if the fabric is heavily steamed there won't be any additional shrinkage when the finished quilt is washed. The steaming will also identify any dye problems.

Your comments will be appreciated.

Susan Price

Reply to
Susan Laity Price
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I pre-wash because of the sizing that is on the cloth to help it go through the machines as it is dyed, dried, and rolled during the manufacturing process. I have an allergy to the dye and sizing. If it were not pre-washed I would not join in with the block swap and would appreciate knowing this information. HTH Barbara in FL

Reply to
Bobbie Sews More

Pre-washing is probably preferred, only because some people are allergic to the sizing in most cotton fabrics. I, myself, do not pre-wash, except for reds, and would need to have this stipulated before the swap. All the swaps I've been in, no-one pre-washed. I do wash after assembly, and get that wrinkley look.

Reply to
amy in SoCal

It's worth a try, Susan. You could add that some quilters are seriously allergic to dyes and sizing. Maybe your group will show some mercy. From reading here through the years, it seems that some folks will produce blocks that measure exactly ½" too small no matter how carefully the instructions are worded. I've always been astounded that our Hug hosts manage to get a quilt together without killing one single soul. Polly

"Bobbie Sews More" <

Reply to
Polly Esther

One of the reasons for pre-washing is to remove some of the chemicals that may be left on the fabric by the manufacturing process. Heavy steaming would not help for that. I'm also not convinced that steaming would reveal dye problems.

Julia > I am arranging a block swap at our local store. I know there are two

Reply to
Julia in MN

Because of the people who are allergic to all of the chemicals used during fabric production that stay on the fabrics until properly washed, I would suggest block swap events on two different days -- one for pre-washed, and one for not washed. Or, keep them completely separate such as on different tables.

Reply to
Mary

This is getting pretty complicated. I have tried to come up with something that makes sense and I just want to say- better you than me! ;-)

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Reply to
Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

IMO the average piece of good-quality cotton just doesn't shrink much if any. My main reasons for pre-washing won't be satisfied with "heavy steaming". (getting rid of chemicals, relaxing wonky grain). And does it really identify runny dyes?

Based >I am arranging a block swap at our local store. I know there are two

Reply to
Roberta

I just prewashed some purple fabric using 2 Color Catchers in the wash. I couldn't believe how purple the Color Catchers were when finished with the wash. So, it's not just red dye that runs in abundance!

Donna in Idaho

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Donna in Idaho

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