Pine Falls Quilt (and what to do when your fabric bleeds in the wash)

Pine Falls Quilt
A little while back I volunteered to test a quilt pattern for Erin over at The Blanket Statement. I really enjoy testing patterns, especially patterns that are a little more on the modern side, and this one fit the bill. Plus I tested the baby size so it was a nice, quick project.

Pine Falls Quilt

I wanted to use solids for the quilt and my stash of solids is running a bit low, so I decided to order some of Alison Glass' Kaleidoscope fabrics. They are really pretty, woven solids and they were perfect, but I did run into a couple of issues.

Pine Falls Quilt

The first issue was that the Etsy shop that I ordered from didn't send all of the background fabric that I ordered. When I contacted them, they said they would have to refund me because they were on vacation and couldn't send more. I took this as a sign I should shop my stash and used a low volume Carolyn Friedlander print instead.

The second issue I that this fabric bleeds A LOT. I didn't hear about this issue until after my quilt was finished. If you use this collection, especially the dark colors, PREWASH! I put 12 Color Catchers in with my quilt and they all came out dark red. I did have some bleeding on my quilt but I am pretty sure that I got most of it out.

I have a method cleaning spots on a quilt where a fabric has bled: carefully rub some dry Oxyclean on with a damp rag and then rub some Oxyclean Gel Stick onto the fabric. Let it sit for about 20 minutes and then wash with Color Catchers. If it doesn't work the first time, try it again. It's not the gentlest way to remove the color, but it has worked for me pretty much every time.

Pine Falls Quilt

For the quilting I marked a 2" grid with a Hera Marker on the quilt and then used those lines as a guide to sew a line on either side with my walking foot.

I didn't think I was going to have a coordinating backing fabric in my stash so I was planning on using a black and white print, but I found the PERFECT fabric hiding in the bottom of my backing fabric bin.

Pine Falls Quilt
Pine Falls Quilt

Erin's new pattern will be ready in mid-September so keep an eye out for it!

Finished Size: 40" x 40"
Pattern: Pine Falls (soon to be released)
Fabric: Kaleidoscope by Alison Glass

Do you have a tried and true method for cleaning spots on a quilt where fabric has bled? I would love to know!

Also, I am doing a big fabric destash in my shop. There are lots of fabric bundles, scrap bags, and charm packs so head over and check it out. I currently am suffocating in my tiny sewing room and need to clear up some space to breathe!


Pine Falls Quilt Pine Falls Quilt

19 comments

  1. Love the results! But please share how you do your binding! Is it by machine, and, if so, how do you get the look of a hand running stitch?

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    1. I do it by hand! If you I have a tutorial here: http://www.kitchentablequilting.com/2017/03/big-stitch-binding-tutorial.html

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  2. Bummer about the bleeding! I have no tried and true method - just color catchers. Darling pattern and use of color tho.

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    1. I was pretty bummed! It has only happened to me a couple of times and it is always with red. This was by far the most bleed I have had.

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  3. I use color catchers and pray. Sometimes peroxide works or white vinegar. If I am really worried I will actually add white vinegar to the wash cycle. More often than not, it is trial and error for me. Love the pattern! And how awesome is that backing!?!? I love finding the perfect fabric in my stash.

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    1. Adding vinegar is a good idea. I have almost never had an issue with a fabric bleeding, but I do always use color catchers. It is always a little scary to put a quilt in the washer!

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  4. great tip on fabric bleeding so far I haven't had it happen.

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    1. I don't think it happens very often, it has only happened to me a couple of times!

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  5. Do you have any ideas about how to remove rust from safety pins left too long in the block?

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    1. No I don't, I'm sorry! Good luck!

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    2. Whink Rust remover has worked for me. Check fading on scrap fabric first, but I have not had a problem with the color fading.

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  6. This is a bummer! I thought we were past the days of fabric bleeding. Hah! I had a red fabric bleed in a finished quilt but attributed it to the fabric was made decades ago. I have heard that soaking the quilt in really hot water and using Dawn Ultra dishwashing soap works.

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    1. I hadn't heard those tips, thank you. I have almost never had an issue with a fabric bleeding and I probably would have just thrown this one in the dryer without checking, but someone warned me that this fabric bleeds a lot so I was extra cautious.

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  7. I can't get over the perfection of the backing. :-)

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    1. Me either! I even had exactly the right about of the fabric. It was meant to be!

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  8. Synthropol keeps the color from redepositing on the fabric in the wash. It is available on Amazon. It might look expensive, but you only need a tablespoon full in the wash. I have read online that original blue Dawn does the same as synthropol. I have not had bleeding when I have used either. When I have had bleeding in the past, another wash in cold has usually gotten it out. Never put into dryer until you have carefully inspected to make sure there was not bleeding.

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    1. That's excellent advice, thank you! I have never heard of Synthropol but this whole experience makes me want to try it!

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  9. Gracias por compartir, buen consejo

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  10. This is seriously so beautiful! I am loving all the versions of this quilt I see popping up. Question: have you seen with any other Alison glass fabrics? I bought a handful of sun prints for a quilt and wasn’t planning on prewashing, but now I think I should! Do you typically wash on warm or cold? Sorry for the 21 questions but I love all your Quilts!

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