Autumn is not when I usually wash quilts but we’ve had unseasonably warm weather and it seemed as good a time as any.
This is my Field of Hexagons quilt - it was on the line drying when I started writing this post. Checkout my latest instagram post if watching quilts blow in the breeze is your form of relaxation ;)
It’s had many washes and I love the texture that you get when you wash a hand quilted quilt. I quilted it with 12wt thread - again because I love the texture.
Because I know you’ll have questions..and I love a good list - here are some things I’ve learn’t along the way about washing quilts1. Most importantly - make sure your quilt is sufficiently quilted
When you’re nearing the end of a quilt, it can be so easy to say - ok I’ve had enough - it’s done, enough quilting - time to move onto the next quilt.
But if your quilt doesn’t have sufficient quilting, your batting will move and depending on what type you use, you’ll get wrinkles within your quilt and once that happens there’s not much you can do about it. I’ve seen it happen and it’s kind of devastating after all the hard work you’ve put into your quilt. Also, your quilting helps protect your seams which ensures the longevity of your quilt.
Battings usually have guides with them which suggest the minimum quilting distance but my rule of thumb is to make sure if I splay my hand out on the quilt , I can at least touch some quilting.
2. I like to use the hand wash cycle on my washing machine
It apparently just showers the clothes 😂 - well that is what the salesman said to me when I was buying it, not sure whether that’s true but so far so good. The cycle is short and intermittent with lots of resting and the spin speed is very low. It’s an Asko front loader and I usually use wool wash detergent - but probably half the recommended dose. I also make sure I choose a cold wash.
I will add a disclaimer here though - I make quilts to be used and I’m happy to wash them but if a quilt is very special and I have a couple - it won’t go into the machine and I will avoid regular washing to be honest. My Dear Jane quilt is an example - it hangs on my wall and doesn’t get used as a bed or sofa quilt. It gets a light vacuum every so often and I do rest it - and probably should rest it more than I do.
3. I always use colour catchers
Usually two, if it’s a new quilt or if there is lots of contrast.
If you haven’t discovered Colour Catchers - they’re amazing. Simply purchased at the supermarket - they are small sheets that you throw in with your wash and they absorb and trap any dyes that may release during the wash. I’ll also use them even if a quilt has been washed lots - better safe than sorry and it keeps the quilts looking clear and vibrant. If you’re worried about the colour fastness of fabrics, washing with a colour catcher is always a good idea. This way you can see if they bleed and then make a decision on whether to use them in a quilt or not.
4. Line dry when it’s warm but not hot
and not in the full summer sun. I live in Western Australia where the summers are extreme. If it’s summer, I’ll hang the wet quilt out at night and take it off the next morning so that it doesn’t get too much sun. I’m also careful about what pegs I use. Lately I’ve been using the Large Sohmo clips - Stainless steel and gentle on the fabrics - a good combination.
5. I never store quilts away straight away
Sometimes I’ll put a quilt in the dryer for a final extra dry but it really depends on what quilt it is. If it contains linen - it will be a hard no but 100% cotton is ok on the silk and wool setting of my dryer. It’s a low heat and a 10 minute cycle. Then I’ll drape it over some chairs inside for a day before if gets put away.
Admittedly, every one will have opinions on the best way to wash a quilt but my advice is to err on the side of caution if you’re worried and always use colour catchers.
Until next time, happy stitching
Mel
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