When I first started I prewashed everything and ironed but I have always hated ironing and it was a chore. Now I prewash only the reds and blacks that I use and cut everything else with that crisp new fabric feel I do wash my quilts always use cold water, gentle soap and gentle cycle and low heat in the dryer. I have quilts that have been used for children's beds and washed many times still very sturdy and still colorful. Since I machine piece and have them machine quilted by a very good quilter they have proven very useful. My granddaughter has one of the first and uses it regularly for her daughter has lots of black and jade and bright colors and we still think it looks great.