Hello and Welcome to the board :D:D:D

Welcome to the board! So glad to hear you have time to learn quilting. Ask away, there is always help here.
I don't wash fabrics before using as a rule but it's just my preference.

Shout out from Kentucky! Welcome to be best quilting site ever.

As you can tell from the varied responses.... to pre-wash or not to pre-wash is merely personal preference. I do pre-wash my fabrics. I don't want any surprises when the quilt is completed. ;-)

Welcome from NC! I do not always wash my fabrics. It depends on how fast I want to begin quilting :)

Hello and welcome from Germany!

I agree with my fellow Idahoan. To pre-wash or not - definitely a matter of person preference. I don't pre-wash.

Hi there, firstly welcome from Oz. On the topic of pre washing your fabrics, I tend to wash only now the dark or brighter colours because you'll learn very soon that they'll run like crazy if you don't. Sometimes I add some salt as well, to safeguard against running depending on the country of origin. Good quality fabrics do not need to be pre washed but some could do with added softness to the outer layer and to break down fibres for easier quilting, in the case of polished cottons. Avoid polyesters for quilting as their colour fastness and stretchiness can surprise the best of us! Above all, happy sewing and experiment for yourself! Best Wishes, Therese

Hello and welcome from Japan!!! And yes, I do wash my fabric.

Welcome from Michigan.

If you are using different fabrics from different manufacturers (sp) they can shrink different amounts so I always wash mine. I had this problem with a log cabin quilt, it made for a bad quilt.
Lynda