Julie in NM

Like to wash it so I can make sure the quilting is even. Seems once washed, it comes alive and so neat. Quilting DOES make the quilt! Also need to make sure ALL the chemicals are out of the fab. My dermatologist says one washing does not get all the chem out of fab.

Oistin

I guess I am in the minority here. I never wash and I have given away many. I like the new feel after it is quilted.I get requests and gentle hints for quilts. My quilts are meant to be used and so they are sturdy. I use colors I know wont run.

katiebear1

Yes I wash them even if they are wall hangings cause I like the crinkly effect shrinking gives them

grammysharon

Yes I do. ;-) :D

sewmuchlove

Yes, I always wash my quilts before giving them away. I want to see how they look after washing and it gives me a second chance to look for any threads that I missed clipping earlier. Plus, I want to be sure the quilt is soft and cozy.

carslo

Yes for sure reasons as follows

- remove any soil that might come from the whole process, as I spray baste on my sewing room floor also oils from my hands and I do not pre-wash my fabric.
- I use Color Catchers to prevent any shifting of color
- I like how they look when all crinkly
- I can see if I forgot something or if anything came undone

Janet

jrtpetey

Very useful information. Thank you.

njgrl4evr

YES. Except for wall hangings.
That way people will know they are washable. I can also see if there are any loose threads or seams.
I also like the look and smell of freshly washed quilts. When the weather is nice I use fabric softener in the washing machine and then dry the quilts outside.
AND, I too always use Color Catchers.

kittycats

yes, unless it is a wall hanging

MsEithne

I always wash everything I purchase in a store before using it.

For some reason, a lot (most?) of manufacturers seem to use some type of scent on their products or perhaps the scent is just integral to the manufacturing process. In any case, I wash it with scent-free detergent to get rid of the smell.