My friend bought a kit at a LQS & the owner said she no longer washes batiks prior to cutting the fabric. Am I the only one out here who still washes fabric first? We did prewash the fabric & lost a half an inch on one side. We're squaring up to 9 1/2 & it'll be OK, but I was amazed that "we no longer pre-washing fabric."

Lots still pre-wash.

Some of us are adamant about having everything washed/shrunk before cutting it.

Others are equally adamant that it is not necessary to bother with doing it.

My personal experience has been that it's worth the effort. It's kind of in the same category as using seat belts - most of the time the fabrics are okay enough to use "as is" - but every once in a while I come across a stinker.

Same for seat belts - most of the time I get to and from wherever with no problems. Once in a while one doesn't.

I always prewash. I don't understand why anyone would take the chance of one of their fabrics shrinking or bleeding and ruining a project they spent hours and hours making.

I prewash in my bathroom sink to shrink. I have never done a lot of it.

There will always be a debate to wash or not to wash. I wash because of the chemicals on the fabric. If it is small pieces like in a kit, you can always wash them by hand and set them on a towel to dry. I have a salad spinner that works well too.

I always prewash. It only takes one fabric to shrink or fade to ruin an entire quilt.

I guess I don't fit into any one category. Some fabrics I wash (cut ends with pinking shears so I can tell they are washed) if I get the fabric from a source other than the LQS or if I think the color will run. Some I leave alone and just take my chances. No hard and fast rules for me.

I don't prewash very because the extra work is kind of hard for me & then the standing to iron. I've been lucky & not had any problems.
I will wash batiks because so many have talked about them bleeding.
Another thing, if you are going to do applique with a fusible web, the fusable do not stick to the fabric very well if the fabric is not prewashed.

Some pre wash, I don't.