How to Keep Your Fabric from Fraying When Washing Quilts

Before Assembly

• 1

  Sew the edges of the quilt pieces using a zig zag stitch. This stitch moves from the edge of the fabric to the inside of the fabric, attaching the back to the quilt square.

• 2

  Hand wash the squares with a gentle washing detergent. Quilt squares also can be washed in the washing machine on the gentle cycle with warm water and gentle detergents.

• 3

  Dry the quilt squares flat on a hard surface. A dryer may be used, but it needs to be set on a low-heat setting and the squares need to be removed when they are damp.

• 4

  Press the squares with an iron set to low heat while they are still slightly damp. The pressing will flatten the quilt squares and set the stitches. The squares will not fray as the quilt is assembled.

After Assembly

• 5

  Determine the amount of dirt on the quilt. If a quilt has been stored and does not have dirt spots or other signs of use, air it out over a clothesline or in a well-ventilated room. If there is dirt on the quilt, wash the quilt carefully to avoid fraying.

• 6

  Remove loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner hose, placing a length of pantyhose over the end of the hose. The pantyhose helps prevent snags caused by the vacuum cleaner. If there are any loose threads or stitches on the quilt, skip those spots or avoid using the vacuum because the vacuum will pull the stitches further, causing fraying.

• 7

  Complete a patch test if the quilt needs to be cleaned with water. Rub a white cloth dampened with cold water on the different colors and fabric pieces. If none of the colors run or blend, the quilt can be wet washed. If the colors do run, avoid wet washing the quilt completely. A fray in the quilt will not matter if all the colors are mixed.

• 8

  Place the quilt into the washing machine on the gentle cycle after it has passed the patch test. Use a gentle detergent with quilts to handle the different fabric types and various decorations. The gentle cycle and softer detergent will help prevent frayed edges.

• 9

  Dry the quilt on a flat surface rather than using a dryer. The dryer will pull any loose threads during the tumbling process, so it is best to avoid the danger of the dryer. Use a layer of towels on the floor and place the quilt over the towels or use a clothesline outdoors.