Please DON"T wash the quilt until it is quilted! I am struggling to preserve two antique quilts for a friend. They were washed before he got them. They are so frayed and raveled now. I am merely adding a plain muslin backing, putting tulle on top, pulling the backing to the front to preserve the ragged edges and hope for the best. So, don't wash it until you have it quilted. Hope this helps.