washing quilts that have not had the fabric prewashed

Hello!

I've inherited some blocks, with which I am making a quilt.

But I just figured out that the original owner did not prewash her fabrics, and there are blues, reds and browns in those blocks.

Normally I prewash fabric with Retayne. I think there is a product I could buy that when added to the wash makes sure that none of the excess dye stays on the quilt, but I don't remember the name [sigh!]. Does anyone?

And are there any other suggestions for washing this quilt the first [and maybe more] times?

It will go to a child in hospital, so must be washable.

Thanks!

Martha

Reply to
Martha
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Den 21-08-2011 20:12, Martha skrev:

Martha,

There is the "color catcher" sheets (they sell in boxes like dryer sheets, but are used in the wash. They are supposed to soak up excess dye.

Would it be possible for you to gently handwash before making up the quilttop? That way you can see if any of the fabrics bleed.

You can also test each fabric for color fastness (use a wet q.tip, for example).

Hanne in DK

Reply to
Hanne in DK

I used color catcher sheets and find they work well.

Reply to
mary

Hanne's suggestion to rub with a wet q-tip or white damp cloth would be OK for spot checking but do not wash the blocks until they are part of the completed quilt. The edges will fray. Once the entire quilt is finished and bound wash it in cold water first and let it dry flat. If all is OK then wash and dry it like it will be in the hospital. I suggest that you use a polyester batting for something that will be washed and dried frequently. If after washing in cold water and drying flat there are problems give the quilt to someone who will always use cold water and air dry.

Susan

Reply to
Susan Laity Price

And the bottom line: it does not matter. I ruined a quilt - a take-off of SunBonnet Sue - except it is Puss in Bonnets - by backing it with a lovely pink batik. The batik bled all over the kittys and their bonnets. Baby loves the quilt. It does not matter one whit that the whole deal is pretty much happy pinked. I do use color-catchers now - may throw in 3 or 4 if I'm suspecting mayhem but truly it does not really matter. That precious little one in the hospital will be comforted and hugged. If you ever inherit more blocks, you may want to get them soaking wet (gently) and put them on white towels or sheets or something and see if there's going to be an event. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

Like Polly, if I'm washing a fabric that I suspect might bleed color all over everything, I use 3 or 4 color catcher sheets.

I just discovered the other day that you can by the color catcher dealies that look like a terry cloth wash cloth. They quit making them a few years ago, but they're back again.

Donna in Idaho

. Polly

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Reply to
Donna

You could always wash the finished quilt with Retayne. And if anything runs, you can wash it again with color run remover. This chemical does a very good job of removing runs, and it might also fade the overall colors.

But you know, I agree with Polly's resp>Hello!

Reply to
Roberta

You're right, of course. It won't matter to the child.

But it will matter to ME! [wail!]

Good idea about inherited blocks.

Thanks!

Martha

Reply to
Martha

Oh.

I hadn't thought of Retayne here.

But you're right, of course.

Thanks!

Martha

Reply to
Martha

I will test the ones not in a quilt yet; a wet q-tip seems a good idea.

Thanks!

Martha

Reply to
Martha

Good points all.

thanks!

Martha

Reply to
Martha

Are you trying to remember synthrapol? The detergent that keeps the excess dye from settling back onto the fabric? If you have it locally it would be with dying supplies in all likelihood.

After I use it I usually wash regularly with dye magnets or whatever they are called this week. Better safe than sorry.

A wash with Retayne might be on your list as well. It is not something I much use except in situations like this. I still try and get out as much excess as I can before I use it because just the way the stuff works there is only so much it can do.

Do remember to check for bleed before you dry it. I think everybody has gotten rushed and distracted and made the mistake of not doing that at least once.

NightMist

Reply to
NightMist

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