If you plan to send me clothing for a memory quilt, I want to say a heartfelt thank you. These quilts are deeply personal, and I consider it an honor to work with the items that mean so much to you and your family. One crucial step in preparing your clothing is to wash the items before you give them to me.

Prewashing is a small but essential part of the process, and here’s why it matters:

1. It removes dirt, oils, and residue
Even clean-looking clothing may contain natural oils, deodorants, lotions, or laundry additives. Washing helps ensure the fabric is fresh and ready for sewing.

2. It prevents shrinking later
Different fabrics shrink at different rates. If clothes are sewn into the quilt before washing, the pieces may shrink unevenly after the quilt is finished and laundered. Prewashing helps stabilize the fabric and improves the long-term look of the quilt.

3. It reduces the risk of colors bleeding
Some fabrics, especially reds, blues, and darks, may release excess dye the first time they are washed. Prewashing helps set the color and prevents staining or color transfer once the quilt is complete.

4. It reveals hidden damage
Washing clothes before quilting helps identify any fabric that is too thin, has small holes, or may not hold up well. This allows me to reinforce the fabric or adjust the layout to ensure the quilt’s durability.

Wash each item on a gentle cycle using mild detergent to prepare your clothing. Avoid fabric softeners or bleach. Once the items are clean and dry, you do not need to iron or cut anything. I will take care of all the design and construction.

Prewashing helps me create a quilt that will last and that you can feel confident using, displaying, or gifting. If you have any questions about the preparation process, I am happy to help.

Thank you again for trusting me with your memories.