My quilts are always real stiff from starching heavily when piecing, which makes it less problem to machine quilt on my home machine, and when I am finished, I always launder them to soften, and remove all of the starch. Also, if I have any spots that are not well done, I know before I gift it, so I can give them with confidence. I washed a table runner for a swap on this board and did not realize that the whole first bobbin (which was not labeled) was filled with wash away thread! I was so glad I learned that before the giftee did! : D