bearisgray

I am in the wash and dry before cutting camp.

I have had at least one piece of fabric of every color bleed, and uneven shrinkage of various pieces. I dislike unpleasant surprises. It probably is more effort to wash every single piece of the washable components before cutting them - but trying to fix something because of not washing before cutting is a bigger bother to me.

But there are many that seem to have had no issues with using unwashed fabric.

I sort my fabrics into groups so that if there is bleeding, it won't hurt whatever is in the bucket with them (dark greens with dark greens, etc.)I actually SOAK my fabrics in hot water until the water cools down - or I get around to washing them - on a short, gentle cycle and just dry "until barely done." I fold and put away. I do iron the fabric before cutting it.

I feel that it is the abrasion of machine washing and machine drying that makes new fabric look old.

There is also a lot of discussion about using Retayne, Synthrapol, and Color Catchers.