When I buy fabric from a quilt shop, I bring it home, cut it up, make a quilt and then I'll wash it. The only time I've washed before using is when it is an intense red, black,navy color , that seems like it will bleed. I ordered dark red wide backing one time and washed it 3 times, because the color catcher was still red. When in doubt, I wash. To me nearly all quilt shop quality fabric is needle ready.