Good article. I prewash all my fabrics and check for bleeding issues. I had bought a fat quarter on vacation, soaked it in hot water in my kitchen sink, and that baby bled like a stuck pig. I kept rinsing, and re-soaking. The bleeding never stopped. I donated the piece to our guild, which makes doggy pillows for the humane society with our scraps. I had wanted the piece for a Bonnie Hunter scrappy, which calls for many small squares, thus a lot of work. Thank goodness I didn't incorporate that piece into my quilt! On my labels I always put washing instructions, which state, "wash quilt in cold water and mild soap. Air dry.