I wash every quilt I make before it leaves my house for several reasons. The most important reason is to make sure that it doesn't fall apart! I would hate for a seam to pop for the new owner after they wash it. Now, table runners and wall hangings are a different story. I don't wash these before they travel. I just don't see that it is necessary, JMHO. I will steam press them to freshen them a little bit but that is it. Wall hangings and table runners just aren't going to get washed as much as a quilt will.