Originally Posted by
asheryl
The lavenders don't look like they'd run but I guess you never know unless you try washing them so I think I'll do what was suggested and cut a tiny piece of each fabric to test them out.
You don't
have to cut and wash them to learn if they bleed. In fact, I think it's harder to tell by washing than by doing a simple bleed test.
Take a white cotton kitchen towel, moisten a corner, and dab or rub on the fabric for a minute or so. If the towel turns color, you have a bleeder. If it doesn't, you're fine.
As others have stated, pre-washing is a very personal choice. There are many good arguments on both sides of the issue. Study everyone's reasons and choose based on what's best for you.
* I personally don't prewash unless my color test shows a bleeder. (And even then, I don't "wash" the fabric, I treat it the same way most fabric dyers treat their hand-dyed fabrics. I think multiple washings is a huge waste of time and water, and most modern washing machines don't use enough water in the first place.)
* I like the crinkly look in my quilts, so I prefer they shrink after completion.
* I don't have issues with chemical sensitivities.