How to Prewash Quilting Fabric

If you're a beginning quilter, it's good to get in the habit of prewashing the quilting fabric before you begin a project. Prewashing fabric will help to eliminate the possibility that the fabric will run, streak or fade after it's part of a treasured quilt.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Test the quilting fabric first by soaking it in a pan of warm water. If the colors run, add a dash of salt and about 1/4 cup of white vinegar in a pan of cold water, and soak the quilting fabric for about 20 minutes. After soaking, test the fabric in a pan of warm water again.

2. Separate the quilting fabrics into light and dark colors, and wash them separately. Wash the quilting fabric with a mild detergent and warm water. The washing machine should be set on a short, gentle cycle with a cool rinse.

3. Set the dryer on permanent press and dry the quilting fabric, removing it when it's still slightly damp.

4. Press the quilting fabric before you put it away, or before you start a quilting project.

Tips & Warnings

• If you quilt with deep red colors, it's a good idea to wash them separately. Reds will often fade, and the color can stain other colors.
• A cup of white vinegar or a handful of salt added to the rinse water will help to set the colors in the quilting fabric.
• Put any small pieces of quilting fabric into a pillowcase to keep them together.