Rachel from Melbourne asks:

My gran gave me a couple of jelly rolls for Christmas and I’m a bit stumped on whether I’m supposed to pre-wash them or not? (or even if i’m able to).  To wash or not to wash?

I’ve confessed before that I am not a washer, the quilting world is pretty much divided when it comes to washing yardage, and I sit firmly on the side of no. Unwashed fabric has stiffening agents that I find make it easier to sew and handle, I hate losing yardage in frayed edges and shrinkage and I honestly can’t be bothered a lot of the time, all that washing, drying and ironing is not for me.

Fortunately it is agreed within the quilting world that washing precuts such as charm squares and jelly rolls isn’t wise idea. The washing process will turn those neat little squares and strips into a bundle of threads with only a small bit of usable fabric in the middle, so no, don’t go throwing your brand new precuts in the washing machine.

If you’re concerned about shrinkage, be sure to only combine them with other unwashed 100% cotton fabrics, that way any shrinkage will be quilt-wide and you’ll avoid any warping or distortion. Most fabric is preshrunk now during the manufacturing process so it’s not quite the issue it used to be.

If you’re concerned about colours running (not something I worry about unless it’s a red/white or red/deep blue combo) I’d recommend collecting similar colours from your precuts and soaking them in individual tubs (Tupperware/ice cream tubs/whatever you can find), let them soak for half an hour in warm water, give them a swish and replace with fresh water for another half an hour. This should minimise any bleeding of your colours.

If you have a craft-related question, feel free to get in touch and ask.