Always, my quilts get manhandled a lot in every stage. They even see the "design" floor when it gets too big for my "design" wall. And, I have 3 dogs. So, yes, I always pre-wash before I send a quilty gift. (Most of the time, I don't pre-wash the fabric before I start piecing. As, I like to do it at the end. I do pre-wash if it looks like it may run. Do what makes you comfortable.