Yes, I do wash new quilts even though I have preshrunk all fabarics before, I love the look I get when the cotton batting draws up that 3%, I also find that it evens out irregularities that may have occured during the quilting process. Also if Iam giving away the quilt which I ususally am, I know it goes out clean and it gives me one last chance to catch any problems that might have escaped notice. I however do wash in cold water, and I use dryer sheets to soften, however if I knew someone had allergies/issues (which they don't) I would govern myself accordingly.
