Many quilters often wonder if they should pre-wash their fabric pre-cuts. The simple answer is yes, you can pre-wash any fabric pre-cuts. However, many crafters choose to skip this step due to the potential mess and time constraints. This post aims to provide clear guidance for those who decide to pre-wash, including tips for pre-shrinking and starching your pre-cuts. Shop our pre-cut fabrics today!

Pre-Washing Basics

Pre-washing serves several purposes: it removes chemicals, detects color bleeding, and helps fabrics shrink properly. For individuals sensitive to chemicals, pre-washing can be essential. If you opt to pre-wash your pre-cuts, consider the following tips:

• Use mesh laundry bags. These bags help contain the mess and make washing easier. Avoid overstuffing. A mini charm pack can fit in one bag, but for larger packs, separate them accordingly.

• Always wash on a gentle cycle, and consider using a Color Catcher if working with saturated colors.

• Keep pre-cuts in the bags while drying and be prepared to press them afterward to remove wrinkles.

Tips to Minimize Lint and Shrinkage

Pre-cuts can generate a lot of lint. To address this, use a lint roller before unrolling jelly rolls to remove excess lint. Another effective method is to place unrolled jelly roll strips in the dryer on high heat for 6-8 minutes. Clean the lint filter after each cycle to help reduce lint and get the strips ready for use.

Alternative Prep Methods: Pre-shrinking and Starching

If pre-washing is not preferred, fabrics can be pre-shrunk by wetting them and allowing them to air-dry. A drying rack that suits your space is necessary; this can be flat or accordion style, depending on the types of pre-cuts used. To test for color bleeding, soak a strip and place it on a white cloth to check for colorfastness.

To starch, use a spray bottle or soaking method with products like Best Press to provide a stiff finish for better handling of the fabric.

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