Question:
Im curious about a few things. Are all new fabrics colorfast? Like the cotton quilting fabric? Also I have a quilting question. Do you wash your quilt, after quilting but before putting the binding on? If not, do you wash it before you use it?
Thanks. http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_smile.gif
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My head it landed...to the sound of cricket bows..
Answer:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Are all new fabrics colorfast? Like the cotton quilting fabric? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Most modern ones are except, of course, that one that you really love and used in the quilt you just spent hundreds of hours on. That one will bleed like a stuck pig. I, personally, don't trust any of them. I will either prewash my fabric, or test by putting a small piece between two pieces of muslin, soaking it, and ironing it dry. If it doesn't bleed onto the muslin I feel safe using it.
As far as washing the quilt after finishing it - well it is as clean then as it is ever going to be in this house, why bother.
I have heard something I want to try. I am in a middle of a quilt now in which I didn't prewash the fabric. I plan on machine piecing, machine quilting it, and then washing and drying it in the dryer. It is supposed to give it the older, puckered look of a... well... old quilt. If I ever finish it I'll let you know. http://community.here.com/infopop/em...n_rolleyes.gif
Answer:
As far as washing a quilt... If a quilt is machine pieced and machine quilted is should be able to withstand machine washing, but it is still hard on a quilt and should only be done when it needs it, not just because it has been x weeks/months/years since it has been washed.
A quilt that is hand quilted should never be put in a washing machine. Washing it correctly is a major process involving a bathtub, a good chunk of your day, and a lot of backbreaking (or at least backaching) work. If you are serious about washing a hand-quilted quilt, email me.
I would never wash a full sized quilt in progress, they are just too delicate. Even if I dropped it in the mud, I would just try to spot clean it as best I could, finish it, bind it, and then wash it.
Answer:
Thanks so much. It seems I 'forgot' about the washing process with this new quilt top Ive finished. And of course the main color is red. Im giving it as a gift, and was wondering if I should wash it first with dye magnet or some such product first. Its for a little girl who will use it so Im sure it will be washed. I'd hate for it to be ruined the first time her mom washes it. http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_frown.gif
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My head it landed...to the sound of cricket bows..
Answer:
Tina, is it the one in your sewing machine thread? That is one lucky little girl!
I think I would be more concerned about the red thread used in the blocks than the fabric. If you have any scraps left over, you could test them. Otherwise, since you know it is going to be washed anyway, I think your idea of washing it with a dye magnet is a good one.
Answer:
http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_smile.gif Thank you, yes, its that quilt top.
I'll pick up something today to wash it with & *fingers crossed* hope it doesn't bleed.
Thanks again for your help.
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My head it landed...to the sound of cricket bows..
Answer:
Hi all....
..."A quilt that is hand quilted should never be put in a washing machine. Washing it correctly is a major process involving a bathtub, a good chunk of your day, and a lot of backbreaking (or at least backaching) work." ....
Been there...done that many times over 20 years and won't do another one that way!! Here's the trick - you use your washer as a soak/drain and spin tub ONLY! NO electrical agitation at all--ever!!! Do that part by hand with gentle up and down pushing/squeezing just like in the bathtub. The beauty is though that you can - change the water more often easily and give it a centrifugal spin which eliminates more water than you could possibly get out. This does not pull the threads as you can "pack" the quilt around the tub before the spin starts.
Yes....there are always acceptions and some quilts or comforters should not be washed such. However, with "hand washing" in the big tub you can do safe washing to almost any hand sewn quilt! And save your back for another day! http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_smile.gif
Barbara
Another Time Antiques
www.boycetime.com
Beam Me to Ebay!