A batting question................

**SewCrafty** · 12-09-2003, 10:31 AM

Do you pre-wash/shrink your batting before using it?

No one in JoAnn's could answer this for me....

TIA

**Michelle** · 12-09-2003, 10:40 AM

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure you don't wash the batting. You just need to lay it out to flatten it--you could also put it in the dryer to fluff it up, on low heat for a bit.

**Michelle** · 12-09-2003, 10:41 AM

Dee, what kind of batting are you asking about?

**Kimmomo3** · 12-09-2003, 10:53 AM

Don't know if it is offically right or wrong but I have not had any problems (yet) with cotton or poyester I do not prewash, I just use it out of the bag. After my quilt is all done I do wash it before use. I have made 5 quilts so you have a referance of my knowledge, or lack there of

**homesteadmamma** · 12-09-2003, 11:03 AM

NO, no matter what type of batting your using, you do not wash it before you use it.

Even after you have made the quilt, you do not need to wash your quilt before using it. Remember, all the material has been soaked and washed before making the quilt.

**SewCrafty** · 12-09-2003, 11:06 AM

Thank you for the fast response ladies!

I am using Warm and Natural.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-09-2003, 11:32 AM

Dee, remember in using Warm & Natural, you cannot hand quilt (its all most impossible). That is because the needle has a hard time going through all 3 layers of the quilt.

In using Warm & Natural, it will give your quilt an older look once it is washed.

Warm & Natural batting is awesome to work with though when you use your machine to quilt with. Why you ask? Because it doesn't move - both top and bottom "stick" to it. I love using Warm & Natural for that very reason. You still have to do the pinning, but its wonderful to work with. Also, in using Warm & Natural, you'll probably find you don't need a quilting foot!! Try it out first between 2 pieces of scrap material and see how it works with your machine. I seldom use my quilting (walking) foot when using Warm & Natural.