After assembling the top and borders, I square up using a huge 16.5" square up ruler and then batt, baste, and quilt it. I square up again if it needs it, bind, and then WASH. Always.
My quilts are dragged around on floor, table, chair, to guild meetings and bees, shown off to friends and family, sat upon by the cat before I call them finished. I wouldn't want them next to MY face or body without washing!! Besides which, I appreciate the crinkly, old-fashioned look and the feel of the batting after the quilt is washed.
Jan in VA