Yes always. I use cotton batting and don't preshrink. I also don't prewash my fabrics. So if I gave it without washing there is always a risk of bleeding (which so far I have never had) and it would look different (but not used) after washing. I also wash them in cold water and dry on regular because that is what the recipient would do. I know my quilts will not become heirlooms and that is fine with me. If the recipient enjoys them for as long as they want, that is good enough for me. YMMV