[quote=patmas57]OTOH, I've begun my quilting journey with a couple of kits (because of fear of color selection), and the instructions for those definitely say DO NOT PRE-WASH, as the fabric pieces are cut either specifically to size, or the amounts provided would not be sufficient if they shrank. So, I accept that I will have shrinkage, and fortunately I like that puckery look. However, since the fabrics in the top are not pre-washed, I feel that I shouldn't pre-wash the backing fabrics either. Or the batting. Does that sound right to you experienced quilters?[/quote
In my first quilting class at LQS, the instructor said that she did not pre-wash LQS fabric, but if you do prewash you should wash all of the fabric in the quilt. I think you are right to follow instructions with kit. You are treating all fabric the same.