i wash every quilt i make before it goes anywhere, that way i am assured there will be no unpleasant surprises for whom ever the quilt goes to, does not matter if it's a gift, a consignment or just one i sell. I want to know everything is fine first. if you leave it for the recipient to wash the first time and a color runs (heaven forbid!) or a seam come loose or it needs blocking i can fix what ever the issue is before the (non-quilter) sees it, that way they do not have to endure any un-do stress over it and i am confident that it is as perfect as can be. the only quilt i would not wash would be a wall hanging that will never be washed. if the quilt is ever going to need washing it gets the first one from me.