Hey there fellow quilting enthusiasts! It’s Gina here, sharing my two cents on a question that recently popped up:
“Should you iron the fabric after washing it, especially if you want to stretch it later?”
Well, here’s my take:
Always toss in some soap when washing your quilting fabric. Why? Because it rids the material of sizing. Plus, it’s a great way to test for color bleeding and to make sure the fabric is pre-shrunk before it becomes part of your masterpiece.
Now, about ironing… Definitely iron washed fabric! Wrinkled fabric has different dimensions compared to an ironed piece. Imagine cutting a 2″ x 2″ wrinkled piece; when ironed, it might just surprise you with its actual size. If you avoid ironing and cut directly, pressing the seams later will result in inconsistent patch sizes. Remember, accuracy is everything in quilting!
Got your fabric out of the dryer? Take it out pronto! Leaving it for too long will make those pesky creases harder to manage. If you missed the end of the dryer cycle, a quick mist of water and a tight wad should prep it for ironing. Oh, and folding? Always go selvage-to-selvage, making sure to store it neatly. When inspiration strikes, you’ll be thankful for that wrinkle-free piece waiting on the shelf!
While I’m an ironing advocate, starch isn’t on my team. It might stabilize the fabric, but I believe a bit of stretch allows the material to be more forgiving. Plus, who has time to iron everything? (Sorry bed sheets and hubby’s shirts! )
A tip from a fellow reader: Ultra Ivory dishwashing liquid is a fab alternative to commercial laundry detergents. It doesn’t fade the fabric as quickly, keeping your quilts vibrant for longer. And don’t forget the Dye Magnet during washes—it’s like a magnet for any stray dye in the water.
Lastly, always iron pre-washed fabric, especially if it’s super wrinkled. It ensures better accuracy during the cutting process. Freshly ironed fabric layers stick together better, making the whole process smoother. On the other hand, unwashed fabric with additives can be a bit slippery, even after ironing.
Key Takeaways:
| Washing Fabric | Always use soap, check for color bleed, and pre-shrink. |
| Ironing | Iron after washing to ensure accurate dimensions when cutting. |
| Drying | Remove fabric from the dryer immediately to avoid stubborn creases. |
| Starching | Not necessary; a little stretch is always good! |
| Laundry Soap | Opt for Ultra Ivory dishwashing liquid for longer-lasting colors. |
| Dye Magnet | Great for catching stray dye during washes. |
