Does everyone but me wash there fabric when purchased? I buy quilt shop quality fabric and was told by shop in Fla that I use alot that they NEVER washed the fabric before making a quilt with 100%cotton. Would like to know if there is another lazy quilter out there....memepeggy

Yeah, ME!! :D

Not Lazy, but I enjoy the look a quilt has when it hasn't been prewashed. Gives it a wonderful soft and warm look...
Maybe it is the combo of the cotton batting too...
I slept under my new quilt last night!!! Yippeee... I love it.

I don't wash mine prior to use. I was told to expect approx. 3% shrinkage - and for me (a fairly new quilter) that just covers some of my mistakes <grin>.

I have never done a quilt with prewashed fabrics! the one time I tried a project with prewashed fabrics it all frayed so badly it was a big mess with all the pieces stuck together in the stray threads - UGHH what a mess!

I never wash my fabric, I love the way my finished quilts shrink and crinkles up after washing the first time

I subscribe to the never wash credo. I have a huge stash and the only pieces that have been washed are the ones I've reclaimed from shirts and such. I considered it once or twice but I like my life. Besides, when I make a quilt then wash it, something happens with shrinkage and softening that makes my quilts look old and wrinkly and more like the quilts that I snuggled under as a child. And I love that look. If the dye runs, it runs. (The earth will not stop spinning.) Plus, there's something called Retayne that is supposed to help with that. I haven't bought it yet, but I probably will eventually.

This comes up often I always prewash fabric. And I'm glad I do. Usually, once a week or so someone here woes their ruined quilt that shrunk or bled. I don't have to worry about that. And there are other reasons to wash here...
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-82183-1.htm

Hi, I often don't prewash - very lazy. If I have my own washer and dryer in the apartment, I am more likely to pre-wash. However, I do prewash if I use dark reds, heavy purples or black fabric as they will bleed. read similar postings here - many people have wished they pre-washed, my self included.

I don't pre wash unless I am afraid it will fade, then I do- and only then. I had some black that seemed to turn my fingers and washed it, but I hate having to starch and press all that fabric.