Class 1 Fabric Preparation

Fabric Preparation

Determine if the fabric is colorfast
The first thing you need to do is make sure the color in the fabric does not bleed out.
A. Cut a 2 inch square swatch of each fabric.
B. Immerse each swatch, one at a time, into a clear glass of warm water.
C. If the water stays clear the fabric is colorfast and it is OK to use.
D. If color runs, wash the entire piece of fabric in washing machine with no detergent. Test the fabric again.
E. If it still runs then you will need to set the dye. To set dye immerse the fabric in full strength (undiluted) white vinegar (approx. 1 gallon for 3 yards). Rinse thoroughly two or three times in clear water. Re-test in a glass of water. If fabric still runs DO NOT USE IT in the quilt.

Now you have three options…
Pre-washing: Cut each corner diagonally 1st…this will cut down on fraying during the washing and then you know later if the fabric has been pre-washed. Separate lights from darks. Place fabrics in warm water with detergent and wash. Do not use fabric softener. Using the detergent will reduce the chemical irritants in the fabric. You may wish to rinse several times if you are worried about the chemicals. Tumble dry until slightly damp. Iron.
Preshrinking: Cut each corner diagonally 1st…this will cut down on fraying during the drying and then you know later if the fabric has been pre-shrunk. Separate Lights and darks. Place fabric in warm clear water. Remove from water and tumble dry until slightly damp. Iron.
Neither: If you choose to use your fabric without preshrinking or pre-washing then your quilt will shrink the first time it is washed. The fabric will shrink 1 ½ to 3 % when it is washed. This gives the quilt a more antique/used look.

Straighten Fabric if needed: You can straighten fabric by gently pulling along the bias. It may be easier to straighten after it’s been washed or shrunk.


***If you had to treat a fabric to make it color fast you have to either preshrink or prewash all the other fabric in the quilt***

Don’t use the selvedge fabric in the quilt…it doesn’t give like the rest of the fabric.