How much will quilting fabric shrink if I wash it before piecing it together?

Question

I'm trying to figure out how big my pieces of fabric will be after I wash them. I know that I have heard cotton quilting fabric shrinks about 2-3%. Is this usually the standard?

Answer 1

Yes , your right . I always wash my fabric first . I don't want any surprises for the one time that 2 or 3 % doesn't work ;)))

Answer 2

It depends on the quality of the fabric. The good stuff that you buy at quilt shops is more expensive (usually in the $8 - $9 range) but it shrinks less and the colors are less likely to run. The cheap stuff that you can pick up at WalMart or the large chain fabric store will shrink a bit more, and some of the colors may fade or bleed. Also, different kinds of fabric shrink differently. Cotton flannel will shrink considerably more than plain cotton.

I don't prewash my fabrics, but that's a personal preference. There are arguments both for and against. I like the crisp feel of unwashed fabric when I'm sewing, and I like the old fashioned puckery look of the finished quilt after washing it. And frankly, washing is kind of a hassle - I like to be able to just grab something off the shelf and start sewing. If you're using good quality fabric, have tested the colors to make sure they won't bleed (cut a small piece and put it in a white or clear bowl with some hot soapy water for a while, then blot on a white towel) you should be okay not washing it. You also need to watch for reactions to the chemicals in fabrics - if your hands get too dry or itchy or if you find yourself with the sniffles whenever you handle the fabric, then prewash it. Since I don't prewash, I always wash my finished quilt with a Shout Color Catcher the first couple of times. This soaks up any dye that is released into the water so it doesn't stain the light portions of the quilt.

Answer 3

I pre-wash all fabrics for quilts and clothing.   I guess it is the "rather be safe than sorry" factor.

Answer 4

Yes, cotton will shrink about 2-3% when it is washed, and it's not consistent.  If you use several different fabrics in a quilt and don't prewash them, they may shrink at different rates and make the quilt top look puckered.  

Answer 5

I always pre wash my fabric before I cut. After all the work that goes into sewing I don't want it ruin because it shrank

If you already have cut your squares or pieces this could be tricky. They could shrink differently. You are going to have to iron and measure after they are washed.