I never pre-wash or starch. I gift the quilt not yet washed and instruct the recipient to wash in cold water. I hope all quilts are still nice. If they bleed then we can pretend that its all the blood, sweat and tears I put into making it. It will still keep people warm, whether it bleeds or not. No one has ever told me that their quilt has bled...I also let them know that it will wrinkle if put in the dryer, but I'm ok with wrinkles...on my quilts any ways!