i've washed my silks a few times- the do not 'soften' their 'hand' seems to stay the same...they only get water spots if water is (splattered) on them- if the whole piece is submerged the (spots) are all over-so not apparent
i've never had a problem with any bleeding (and i have used red silks) but i have heard it can be a problem-so testing is always recommended-if using deep colors
they do need ironing-after washing- best to iron with a cool iron (set for silk) and iron from the back- gently/carefully.
this quilt center is almost all silks- all have been washed- all have been pressed---all are 'stablized---all are duponi silks...
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