Originally Posted by
Buckeye Rose
So many reasons to wash before gifting! Most quilt recipients have no clue what happens to a quilt in the wash, no idea that it might "crinkle" or look entirely different when they take it out of the washer. I don't want them to think the quilt is ruined, so I always wash first. Washing also gets rid of any dirt, oils from my hands, chemicals from unwashed fabrics, marks from quilting lines, etc. And lastly, the wash will also expose (hopefully) any areas desperately needing attention...like a pulled seam, loose quilting, or bleeding fabrics....then I can fix before gifting.
This is pretty much exactly what I was going to write.
Plus, I have cats and dogs that live inside, and even though they're not allowed in my sewing room, fur drifts. And I often glue-baste, so there's another reason to wash.
Originally Posted by
luvspaper
And I can't say any recipient has ever thought that it has been used. I usually put in a note that says it has been washed and then instructions on how they can wash it again. Sometimes they are afraid to wash it the first time.
This, too. I have seen people visibly relax when I tell them that not only is the quilt machine-washable & dryable, it's ALREADY been through a wash and dry. If I'm giving a baby quilt, I wash on HOT and tell them I did so so they'll know it's safe to do the same if the baby has an accident on it. (Normally I wash on warm.) I want people to view my quilts as something that's designed to be USED daily. I also tell people it comes with a lifetime warranty (my lifetime) for any rips or holes or failed seams. I haven't been quilting very long yet but I HOPE some day I'll get back some tattered quilts that need new binding and backing and some patching done. I HOPE they get loved and used that much!