bearisgray

I was wondering if washing to minimize further shrinkage was worth the effort - so i measured hundreds of pieces before and after washing -

A very few did not shrink at all.
Most shrank at least an inch either in width and/or length.
Some shrank over two inches in width and/or length.

As far as brands - I noticed shrinkage in almost all the lines that I have purchased (Michael Miller, Kaufman, Hoffman, Alexander Henry, Oakhurst, Blank, VIP/Cranston, Peter Pan, Moda, RJR, Hi-Fashion, Shamash, SSI, Northcott) - I know I missed a few brands/lines. The list was just to indicate that I had used a few brands that aren't usually found at WalMart.

I also had a red bleeder that was a Moda.

My Mom gave me a pack of 5 inch charm squares - purchased from either Keepsake Quilting or Quilts & Other Comforts. I washed them in the washing machine in barely warm water and dried them in the dryer.

I remember two pieces in particular - one shrank over 1/2 inch (the five-inch square was now only 4.5 inches wide) and one became a parallelogram when the fibers relaxed.

The pieces can be washed before using - but they probably will shrink and/or distort and require reshaping.

I think the bottom line is to do (or not do) what your comfort level will tolerate.