AngelaRose,
I too, have pre-washed my fabric before quilting. But I also will wash all my quilts before giving them as gifts; to see how they will turn out. I always wash in cold water, using color safe bleach(to make colors POP) and drying for less time then is suggested because commercial dryers always run hotter. I prefer to take it to the laundramat, the washers and dryers are larger.
CruisingStef
or Stephanie