washing quilt after raw edge applique

[jean w.]

The quilt top I just finished (2014 BOM) was the first time I used starch. I'm very nervous about washing It with all the raw edge applique. Any tips? Am I just being scared for nothing? China Doll

[Beverly C.]

Good question, Chinadoll. I have that same worry and will be interested in the answers you get.

[Betty J.]

I have used stitched raw edge applique for years and never had any problem washing it. I do wash my quilts in the hand wash cycle in warm or cold water with woolite and dry them flat. I'd be interested to hear other people's experience.

[jean w.]

Thanks for the advice . I won't be so nervous

[Jennifer D.]

I have made several raw edge applique quilts and it seems that the fusible web I use really helps hold the fraying in check. Although I have never washed one of my intricate designs (McKenna Ryan/Toni Witney), I did make a crib/bed quilt for my son that has raw edge applique frogs and bugs on it. This quilt has been washed (on gentle cycle with Dreft detergent) and dried in a dryer every other week for the last year or so. The edges of the pieces have frayed some (as this is pretty excessive washing!) but it is much more noticeable on the areas where I quilted the pieces 1/4 inch away from the edge. The pieces that were quilted 1/8 -1/16 an inch away from the edge have minimal fraying despite all of the abuse this quilt is put through daily. From what I recall the first few times I washed it there were no issues...and I'm pretty sure it's the dryer that's causing the majority of the fraying since it was with towels and other fluffy objects.

If I had to wash one of my wall quilts it would be on gentle cycle or perhaps even soaking it in a clean tub with Woolite to remove dirt/starch, etc. I would then lay flat to dry. These are the suggestions I received from a cousin when I asked how she cared for delicate quilts such as antique or heirloom quilts.

Hope this rambling reply helped! Good luck!

[Beverly C.]

Welcome to TQS, Jdeluka! And thanks for the info!

[jean w.]

Thank you for the positive reinforcement and other tips. Its much appreciated. China Doll P.S. Your quilt is beautiful.

[Lois B.]

I have made several raw edge applique quilts and it seems that the fusible web I use really helps hold the fraying in check. Although I have never washed one of my intricate designs (McKenna Ryan/Toni Witney), I did make a crib/bed quilt for my son that has raw edge applique frogs and bugs on it. This quilt has been washed (on gentle cycle with Dreft detergent) and dried in a dryer every other week for the last year or so. The edges of the pieces have frayed some (as this is pretty excessive washing!) but it is much more noticeable on the areas where I quilted the pieces 1/4 inch away from the edge. The pieces that were quilted 1/8 -1/16 an inch away from the edge have minimal fraying despite all of the abuse this quilt is put through daily. From what I recall the first few times I washed it there were no issues...and I'm pretty sure it's the dryer that's causing the majority of the fraying since it was with towels and other fluffy objects.

If I had to wash one of my wall quilts it would be on gentle cycle or perhaps even soaking it in a clean tub with Woolite to remove dirt/starch, etc. I would then lay flat to dry. These are the suggestions I received from a cousin when I asked how she cared for delicate quilts such as antique or heirloom quilts.

Hope this rambling reply helped! Good luck!

Very helpful information! Thank you very much. Welcome to the Forum.