Every once in a while I pre-soak/shrink my batting…and since I get a lot of questions about it I thought I’d answer it in a quick post.
I usually don’t pre-wash my batting unless I’m concerned about shrinkage in the final quilt or I’m using a Chenille backing, as was the case this time. I like the crinkly look of a washed quilt, and even with pre-shrinking I’ve found that my quilts still shrink a bit. Out of the package batting is also thinner and way easier to work with/fit under my sewing machine foot, so that’s another main reason I usually don’t.
When I do pre-soak …I cut my batting at least 4″ larger than my quilt top around all sides (if I’m quilting it myself). Then I stick it in my washer in hot water and let it soak for the day or overnight. I use a tiny bit of detergent, or you can use a product like this made for soaking.
After it’s soaked at least 5 hours or so I spin cycle the batting in the washer (don’t agitate it though!) to remove the water. Then I throw it in the dryer on low just as I would with any delicates. Because it dries fast, I check it often and take it out right when it’s dry so it’s not bouncing around in there needlessly getting too hot.
I use mainly Warm and White batting. This roll in the picture is long gone (can you believe it?)…but now I usually buy it when it’s 50% off in King sized packs because that roll takes up a lot of room!
Thank you for this, I had read to wash and not to wash so this helps.
I am about to make a quilt with a minkee back, and haven't decided if I should even put batting in. Though the point of the minkee is to make my 9-year-old happy, and it's all about soft and warm with him.
Will have to see if I can adjust this for a front loader! No agitation is easy, soaking is hard…
Dree, you could soak it in your bathtub, then spin it in your washer.
Good to know! I've always wondered how on earth to preshrink batting without making a massive mess! Also, if you have time to let me know! where did you find your chenille fabric in the picture? Thanks! Lannabanana19@hotmail.com
thank you for sharing this great information! xo
I {stupidly} did the agitation and at a laundromat to boot! It was quite a diasppointing mess.
Im confused why you soak for hours…
I just spin and fry in the dryer…
I dont do it often either but with bamboo and when I use vintage linens..
Thank you so much for this. I have never washed my batting and appreciate the info. It's nice to have the fabric just crinkle a little but the batting stay nice. I'll try it. That's alot of batting. Wish I'd get busy and quilt more.
I've never heard of washing batting and learned something new here. Appreciate the specifics on when you DO wash.
I was in Barnes and Noble yesterday and picked up a copy of Artful Blogging. I enjoyed reading your story and seeing your quilts there in the current issue.
I have a front loader, so not sure how that would work… To be honest, I haven't preshrunk my batting before. Worthwhile on some projects though, for sure. Perhaps just letting it sit in the laundry sink for a bit…
Thank you for the tips!
http://www.loganmakesamess.com
I really like these tips on when/how to pre-wash batting. I've never done it, but I am debating using chenille for the backing of the quilt I'm currently working on, so if I do, I will try this! Do you have any other tips on backing a quilt with chenille? It will be a first for me!
Is it cost effective to buy it in packs? I also wait for the 50% off sale but my husband says to buy the bolt and stick it in the storage cabinet in the gargage!!
as of this month october 2019, the month i asked for it, joann’s does not … DOES NOT … sell “Warm and Natural” quilt batt products … the sales woman told me, *we sell others that are just as good* …. hmmmm … i beg to differ with her … anyway … no more *warm and natural,* *warm and white* and any other *warm and natural products* are sold at joanns … booo hooo ….