How to keep fabric from fraying when pre-washing

QUILT FABRIC - PRE-WASH OR NOT TO PRE-WASH, THAT IS THE QUESTION!

I prefer to pre-wash my fabric to prevent shrinkage problems and to remove sizing and other chemicals that are added to the fabric.

But fraying is a common problem during washing.

Watch this video and read the article to see how to prevent excessive fraying.

HOW TO PRE-WASH FABRIC

STEP 1:
Zigzag stitch or serge the cut edges of the fabric. This is a little time consuming but it is worth the effort.

Or

Clip a little triangle piece from each corner of the fabric. The corner clipping method still will have some fraying but the fraying is very minimal.

STEP 2:
Unfold the entire length of fabric and gently place it into the washing machine. Or place the fabric in a large mesh laundry bag (especially put small pieces in a lingerie bag). Wash like colored fabrics together in cool water with a mild detergent.

Do not overload the washer and wash on the delicate cycle.

STEP 3:
After washing, unfold and untwist the fabric and put it into the dryer. If the fabric is in a mesh laundry bag, toss laundry bag with fabric inside into the dryer.

Tumble dry on a low setting and remove the fabric from the dryer while it is still slightly damp. This helps to keep wrinkles from forming in the fabric to a minimum.

STEP 4:

Press the fabric flat immediately,

Prewashing fabric for quilting is a personal choice. You alone make the decision.

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Bobbin Thread Tip - Learn how to prevent thread tangling or thread nesting when machine quilting.