DMC thread has a tenancy to bleed especially since they changed the laws on types of dyes that can be used. It's the only brand of thread I use for cross stitching. I always soak it in clean dish water in little custard cups and then air dry it on a hanger after rinsing it thoroughly. So I'd wash it before I put the effort into a quilt.
Hint: I put the number band next to the little bowl and then on the hanger so I know which color is which.
It holds up very well I have dresser scarves my mother made before she was married the fabrics getting worn, but the thread is still beautiful.