mixing prewashed and non-washed fabrics

I'm about to embark on a Christmas stack-and-whack something (table runner, probably).

I have plenty of repeats of the feature fabric, but only because I had my Aunt share it lengthwise with me! So, I don't want to wash it, because I think the long cut edge might stretch a lot and end up misshaped.

But all my other fabrics are washed, and I don't have easy, affordable access to buy new just for this project.

I'm planning for hexagons and triangles, with no border (other than the binding providing an edge - this is right now unwashed too, since it is a stripy companion fabric). So only the backing and the binding are large pieces. The batting is warm and natural, not prewashed either.

What do you think? Am I setting myself up for something horrible? The table runner is for myself, I intend to use it, wash it and treat it like a nice everyday item.

Thanks! Hanne in DK

Reply to
Hanne
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I would still wash it, Hanne; but, if you could put it in a mesh laundry bag, or a pillowcase, the edge should not get distorted. You would want to know if any colours were going to run, before you put work into it. I would also wash the proposed binding, because if the binding were to shrink - even a tiny amount - it would look pretty awful (i.e. if you made it up with unwashed and then found it shrank when washing after use). . In message , Hanne writes

Reply to
Pat S

I have NEVER had a problem with fabric edges distorting in the washer and dryer, so long as they are cut on the grain. I wash ALL my fabrics before using, but that, of course means I never buy jelly rolls or stacks of pre-cut squares. (I buy nothing smaller than 6", actually.) If your fabric is at least 6", I really suggest you wash it! It will then have the same 'feel', won't shrink more than its companions later on, and you will not be running the risk of colors running later.

Reply to
Mary

Most Christmas fabrics have reds and other deep colors. I wouldn't risk any of those colors running- later- if they are not prewashed before you start the project. JMO

Leslie & The Furbabies in chilly MO.

Reply to
Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Thanks to all. I may yet change my mind, but:

I normally don't worry about stretching in the wash either. However, this is cut lengthwise, down the middle (on the fold). Obviously, about 21" wide, but still.

Also, for the stack-and-whack kaleidoscope type quilt, I need the pattern of the focus fabric to not distort, since then it is not usable for that technique.

I can check for colour fastness by hand, without involving the washer.

Hanne in DK

Reply to
Hanne

Hanne, if you really don't think washing it is an okay idea, why don't you just annoy it a little bit. Carefully put it in hot water, then cold. Lay it on a white towel ( or something white) and see if it bleeds dye. Treat it as gently as you possibly can so those repeats don't move about. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

FQs have both grains exposed and we wash those.....

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Thanks to all. I may yet change my mind, but:

I normally don't worry about stretching in the wash either. However, this is cut lengthwise, down the middle (on the fold). Obviously, about 21" wide, but still.

Also, for the stack-and-whack kaleidoscope type quilt, I need the pattern of the focus fabric to not distort, since then it is not usable for that technique.

I can check for colour fastness by hand, without involving the washer.

Hanne in DK

Reply to
Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Bethany Reynolds -- the original "stack'n'whack-er" recommends not pre-washing. It leaves the original finish on the fabric and it doesn't distort the printed pattern on the fabric. I don't think it should be a problem. Just remember to use a "color catcher" or similar product when you wash it (at least the first time). Your backing will shrink a bit, so I don't think some shrinkage of the fabric should be a problem.

Having said that, I will admit that I have always pre-washed fabric for all my quilts, including stack'n'whack, and have not had problems. I do use a spray starch on any strips that I am using to cut triangles; it makes the triangles a bit easier to handle, with less stretching on the bias.

Julia > I'm about to embark on a Christmas stack-and-whack something (table > runner, probably).

Reply to
Julia in MN

I always prewash too....as soon as I bring the fabric home. This said, I made a stack and whack and the first step in the directions said not to prewash. OOPS! It did seem a little difficult to line up the repeats, but I managed. I think you'll be OK either way, as long as you use a Color Catcher in the initial wash. Another note - don't throw the finished item in the wash at night and let it lie in the washer all night! I did this last week, with a table topper, and the color ran in several places. Since I'd used cold water and a Color Catcher, I didn't check and threw it in the dryer in the morning. What a dissappointment when I pulled it out of the dryer! I ended up washing it three more times, with Spray & Wash, Shout, Oxi-clean and a little "toothbrush" action. It's not perfect, but it's usable now!

Reply to
Alice in PA

have you thought of stitching along the cut edge to assure that it stays in place when it is washed in a bag of somekind. I've found that fabric seems to stretch when it is ironed. You know with moving the iron back and forth on fabric, instead of pressing.

Kate T. South Mississippi

Reply to
Kate T.

Kate,

I hadn't thought about that. Good idea. Still trying to decide here...

I could always cut a piece and wash and dry that and check for colour fastness and shrinkage. Lengthwise, I have plenty, just not widthwise.

Hanne in DK

Reply to
Hanne

Reply to
Roberta

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