QUILT 'N SHRINK

STEP 1 - DO NOT PREWASH FABRICS

Measure the amount of fabric you need by laying out your pattern pieces. You will need to add between 4" and 8" in length extra to accommodate the shrinkage that will occur. Mark your stitching lines on the lining with a marking pencil, pen or chalk that will wash out (lead pencils do not wash out). I mark my lining in the event the marking lines do not completely come out. You can mark lines any way you want. My favorite is a diamond pattern (lines drawn on the bias) in either a 2" or 1" grid. The more lines you draw, the more stitching you'll be doing. You can also free-motion stitch a random stipple pattern, the choice is yours!

STEP 2

Layer, Fashion Fabric - Cotton Flannel - Lining. Pin at intervals to hold layers together.

With a long machine stitch, stitch marked lines. It helps to alternate direction of stitching so you don't have your fabric scooting all to one side. Stitch both sets of lines, starting first with one set (alternating stitching direction)

then the intersecting set (alternating stitching direction).

Finish raw edges of quilted fabric (serger works great) to reduce fraying when washed.

STEP 3

Toss quilted fabric in washer. I include a couple of old light colored or white towels along with so the fabric doesn't just end up on the side of the washer drum. Old towels are best. You don't want towel fuzz on your quilted fabric. Wash on normal cycle, warm water, with detergent.

Dry quilted fabric in dryer. The towels help to keep the fabric tumbling. Dry on permanent press cycle, low heat. You can use high heat if you have used a Fashion Fabric that is not heat sensitive and you want to get maximum shrinkage.

STEP 4

Cut out pattern pieces.

Actual finished quilted fabric (washed and dried for shrinkage) using sueded rayon, cotton flannel and polyester lining.
See our Sahara Vest using this technique.