Since my cats like to "help" when I hand quilt I like to wash after finishing a quilt for a gift. I also like to see how they come out after a gentle wash and machine dry. It also fluffs out the batting inside and gives them a more "comfy" look and feel. I also preshrink all of my fabric as soon as I purchase it to prevent surprises as to bleeding or uneven shrinkage after a quilt is done.