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!
Missy Shay
Thank you for this, I had read to wash and not to wash so this helps.
Dree
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...
Nicci P
Dree, you could soak it in your bathtub, then spin it in your washer.
LeAnne
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
vintage grey
thank you for sharing this great information! xo
MeganAnne
I {stupidly} did the agitation and at a laundromat to boot! It was quite a diasppointing mess.
2ndAvenueStudio-Rachel
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..
Judy Blinkenberg
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.
Barb - The Empty Nest Mom
I've never heard of washing batting and learned something new here. Appreciate the specifics on when you DO wash.
LuAnn
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.
CaroleM
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...
Logan
Thank you for the tips!
http://www.loganmakesamess.com
Rebecca
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!
Elaine
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!!
darlene harris
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 ....