When I started quilting (about 4 years ago) I had no idea that it could be a problem and had no one advising me and took no classes. My first quilt was red and cream. At the flimsy stage I thought if I washed it I could square it up better. As a beginner my seams were a little inconsistent. What a shock I had. I had a number of bleeders, the worst offender was one of the first I purchased and one of the most expensive, all fabrics were bought at quilt stores. Some pieces - log cabin 1 1/2" strips - were so bad that I took out the whole block and in others I replaced the strip . I tried washing one or two more times. It is only this winter that I have actually gotten it finished. P-BurgKay I hope that I don't have the same story to tell in my future.