I always wash. However, the Downy quilt I did recently came already cut, and so I couldn't wash it. They request washing when the quilt is completed though. Mine had very bright colors, and so I wondered. It came out fine. Some of the dark batiks will bleed for sure, and so you absolutely must wash those. Regular fabric will probably be okay. Still, I'd wash reds, blacks, and dark blues and purples. Better safe than sorry. Oh yes, and there are always color catchers.