The first quilt I made, I washed each fabric priior to cutting it because that is what all the instructions read. That was the first time and the last time. Now, I use spray sizing on each piece prior to cutting. I assemble, quilt and bind the quilt and when it is totally finished, I machine wash it. If there is any fabric that I think might bleed, I toss a color catcher sheet into the washer with the quilt. I have never had a problem.