The Walmart Fabric Experiment
Click HERE or on the photo above to watch the video.
After making a quilt out of fabric from Walmart, I was curious as to how the fabric would hold up after many washings. I decided to test it and find out!
Here’s the experiment: I made two mini quilts that are the exact same size, made them with the same fabrics, quilted the same, everything the same. Then I set one aside (the control) and washed the other one six times. Why six times? I asked in a poll how many times people wash their quilts, and over 60% answered with “2-3 times a year.” I decided to double that.
After each washing, I assess the quilt in different categories like size (did it shrink?), overall feel, durability, and overall appearance. Come with me to see the results. They may surprise you!
Two Mini Quilts
I made two mini quilts that were as close to the same as I could make them, each measuring 16.75” square. I used the same fabrics, quilting technique, backing, and binding. I even used the same batting (not from Walmart). After I made two, I set one of the mini quilts aside to keep as my control. The other one headed to the washing machine for the first washing and drying.
Some details about the process:
I did not prewash the fabric
I washed the experimental mini quilt on a regular washing (warm water).
I dried the experimental mini quilt on low.
I washed it with other items such as clothing, linens, etc.
All are Waverly except one which is David Textiles. All from Walmart.
After the First Washing
As expected, the experimental quilt did shrink after the first washing. This is to be expected since the fabric I used is 100% cotton. On average, any cotton fabric will shrink 3% - 5%, and after the first washing, the experimental quilt measured 6.25” square, which means it shrunk about 3% (16.75” to 16.25”). Not bad! The binding did pull in a little, but this could have been my mistake in the construction.
Fabric Feel: very good; super soft
Vibrancy: no fading; looks good
Overall Condition: good; crinkling as we can expect with shrinking
Size: Did shrink about 3%. Not bad!
After the Second Washing
I was surprised that there was more shrinkage. I really thought all of the sizing would stop after the initial wash.
Fabric Feel: very good; super soft
Vibrancy: slight fading
Overall Condition: good; looks a bit older than it actual is with some signs of wear after only two washings.
Size: Did shrink another 1/4” which means it shrunk 4.5%. Still within the standard expected shrinking rate.
After the Third Washing
No more shrinking! YAY! I am super happy about this. I hope it is finished shrinking.
Fabric Feel: getting softer and softer! It would be so cozy if it were a big quilt. You could just wrap yourself up in it.
Vibrancy: No additional fading than after the second washing.
Overall Condition: looking really good; no popped seams and no addition issues
Size: No additional shrinking
After the Fourth Washing
Pleasantly surprised! It is just getting softer. The feel of this is wonderful.
Fabric Feel: Getting softer and softer as it is washed
Vibrancy: Maybe slightly more fading, but it is minimal.
Overall Condition: It is in great condition and is holding up well.
Size: No additional shrinking
After the Fifth Washing
Pleasantly surprised!
Fabric Feel: Super Soft! Loving the feel of this!
Vibrancy: Maybe a little more fading, but not bad
Overall Condition: One seam could be popping slightly (maybe). That could be my sewing, too. We always have to keep that in mind. The binding is showing some wear (minor). Looks like a very well-loved quilt.
Size: No additional shrinking
After the Sixth Washing
I am super happy with how well the experimental quilt held up. Here’s my final assessment:
Fabric Feel: Continues to get softer
Vibrancy: Doesn’t appear to be any more fading
Overall Condition: It is looking older, but it has been washed six times, so I feel like that is to be expected, right? It is cotton, after all.
Size: No additional shrinking
