Coordination of Sewing Machines: Soaking Techniques

Since I get asked about this a lot, I thought I would answer in a short post.

I don’t usually pre-wash my quilt batting, unless there is a concern about shrinkage or I am using a Chenille back. This was the case with this project. Even with pre-shrinking, my quilts shrink slightly. I prefer the crinkly appearance of a washed fabric. The batting that comes in the package is thinner, and easier to use/fit under my machine foot. That’s why I don’t usually do it.

If I am quilting the quilt myself, I cut my batting a minimum of 4″ bigger than my top (if I pre-soak). I then put it in the washer with hot water, and let it soak all day or over night. You can either use this or a tiny amount of detergent.

After the batting has been soaked for at least five hours, I put it in the washing machine and spin it (don’t stir it!). To remove any water, I spin the batting in my washer (don’t agitate it! It’s then thrown in the dryer at low heat, just like I would for delicates. It dries quickly, so I make sure to check it frequently and remove it as soon as it is dry.

I use mostly Warm and White Batting. Can you believe that the roll shown in this picture is no longer available? )…but I now buy it in King size packsbecause that roll takes up a lotof room!

Since I get asked about this a lot, I thought I would answer in a short post. I don’t usually pre-wash my quilt batting, unless there is a concern about shrinkage or I am using a Chenille back. This was the case with this project. Even with pre-shrinking, my quilts shrink slightly. I prefer the crinkly…

Since I get asked about this a lot, I thought I would answer in a short post. I don’t usually pre-wash my quilt batting, unless there is a concern about shrinkage or I am using a Chenille back. This was the case with this project. Even with pre-shrinking, my quilts shrink slightly. I prefer the crinkly…