pre shrink batting

[Kueser]

I've recently read an article where the machine quilter stated she pre-washes her batting for her clients. Is this a standard practice or an extra benefit? What do you all say?

[ffq-lar]

If a customer is concerned about shrinkage, I beleive they should perform that job before bringing it to me. That way there is no question about the batting being big enough for the project.

I had a recent customer who asked if I would pre-shrink her bamboo/cotton batting--stated on the label that shrinkage would be 3-5%. I said sure! Then I read the lable about care and was directed to the manufacturer's website for instructions. You had to wet the batting in a tub, carefully press out the water and lay it OUTSIDE on a sheet to dry!! Not in my area of the country!! And no way do I have time to monitor someone's wet batting in the yard!!

Needless to say, she did not want to perform the task either, so I used it straight from the package.

I would not offer this as a service to my customers, but would recommend pre-shrinking both fabrics and batting for show quilts--no surprises there!!

[sspingler]

NO! If they want it prewashed, then let them do it and be responsible for it.

I know one lady that washes all her customer quilts before pick up. What happens if that person is allergic to the soap that's used or the softener??

[Kueser]

Thanks for the input.