i am also a '''once-in-awhile''' fabric washer and my answer is it depends on the fabric you are using. i have made embroidered/appliqued/pieced quilts (all in one) and a few of the fabrics here and there were washed, because they were ... red, dusty, used (as in recycled clothing)again various reasons. the quilts are beautiful there were no -adverse effects-- my 'main fabrics' as in background,borders etc were not pre-washed....it was fine and i've been making quilts that way for years.