I am also new to quilting...and I have made 3 quilts from start to finish so far using both yardage and pre-cuts. I have not and do not plan to pre-wash. As many have said, it is a personal preference and I choose not to. I love washing my newly finished quilt, pulling it out of the dryer, and seeing the puckers from the slight shrinkage. To me, that is what gives my quilts character and I love it. <3