Wash or NOT to Wash... your fabrics silly!!!!

There has always been a debate as to whether to prewash or not to prewash your fabrics prior to sewing or quilting. Just with anything there is an agreement and disagreement with prewashing.  After some hours of research on this topic, this is what I have found.

YES, I DO:

• DYE TRANSFER - prevents bright dyes from bleeding onto other fabrics 
• SHRINKAGE - fabrics can shrink, by prewashing this can minimize this possibility
• CHEMICALS - fabrics when purchased have sizing and other chemicals in them, by prewashing you are removing those chemicals from the fabric

NO, I DO NOT:

• TIME - this is a process that can be lengthy
• SIZE - washing small pieces of fabric is tedious and not convenient
• SHRINKAGE - there is not a drastic difference in material size after prewashing   
• BLEEDING - They way fabrics are developed today the issue us almost obsolete
• CHEMICALS - the sizing helps to keep the material crisp

I am one of those that DO NOT prewash my fabrics prior to sewing/quilting, with minor exceptions. Time is a huge issue for me.  I love running my personal business, but I also have to work full time. So my time  is VERY limited and I do not want to take away ANY time for washing - that is best for the family and there is enough of that!

Now even though I am on the side of 'I DO NOT' there are some fabrics I will.  When designing a quilt from a wall hanging to king size, I will prewash my reds, blues, and purples, just to be safe from dye transfer.  For the larger size quilts of course that is an easier process due to the size of the fabrics being washed are by the yard. However for wall hangings, we may be dealing with fabric the size of a scrap, fat quarter or pre-cut.  I will also prewash fabrics used in anything Baby I make.  There skin is very different from an adult.

Well during my research I have found the perfect solution for that! CLICK HERE to watch a video from Laura Coia on her sewing channel called Sew Very Easy. 

Material shrinking is only an issue on some fabrics, and these fabrics I tend to not work with.  These fabrics are those novelty type, i.e. terry cloth or chenille). And I have to be honest, I have sewn with them and I now stay AWAY from them...

Finally the chemical debate!  Yes I agree they are there in the fabric, but I like the texture and control those chemicals give me.  I get a crisper cutting line and I have GREAT control when manipulating the fabric to do what I want it to do!  Our industry has changed SO MUCH over the years, that from the bleeding, to shrinkage and the chemicals, it is different now.  Manufacturers are conscious of the fact that we are out there and do not wash our fabrics.  So they take the necessary steps to prevent these concerns from happening. And let's face it, they make a better product, then we will buy it more!!!

If you are still on the fence of what to do, my best advise is use your best judgement.  While I consider myself on one side, I will take the time to check and ensure there will be no issues for my products designed for my customers.

Thanks for stopping by and let me know what side you are on!  

~ Desiree