Is it personal preference to prewash fabric prior to use in a project, or is it necessary?
This question has been a topic of discussion and debate forever. From what I've read, the answer is more personal preference. More times than not I read so many answers informing us that quality fabrics purchased at quality quilt shops will not have a problem with fabric dyes bleeding when laundered. If you choose to believe that, well, that is your choice.
This is a quality cut of fabric purchased at a long established quality quilt shop. It's also the reason why I always prewash my fabrics.
I had already drained the basin a couple of times before I thought to take a photograph. I have serious doubts that color catcher sheets would be able to save all my hard work in a project from this piece of gorgeous red fabric. It took me half a day and over night until the dye stopped bleeding. (Dark blues can be as much a problem as reds can be.)
It doesn't happen to every red fabric but how are you going to know when it will bleed and when it won't. There's only two ways to find out...the hard way (washing your already completed project) or by prewashing.
I just don't think the risk is worth not prewashing fabric. So, for me, I see prewashing as necessary.
I'm off to wash some more new fabric pieces.
Happy stitching to you!
Annie
