The prewashing question that always is going back and forth on this board raised a question in my mind. Could it be that folks who make quilts intended to be used on beds tend to prewash more, whereas those who make art quilts would be less likely to prewash?

Every bit of fabric in my home is washed before I start slicing into it .... no matter the intentional use.

I agree with this theory.

I also do not wash the fabric that I use to do applique by hand, as the finish in the material helps to prevent fraying.

The only fabrics I prewash are flannels. Nothing else. You will find a whole lot of people on both sides of this camp. I don't make "art" quilts, I make quilts to be used and loved. I do wash the quilt, after it is all finished, before it goes out the door!

I always wash.

I also never wash my fabric unless it is flannel. If I have a question that maybe the dye could run then I will test a small piece of it. I also always make quilt to be used. And I wash the quilt when it's finished.

NO...those who know fabric and know what dangers lurk in those chemicals and dyes will ALWAYS wash the fabric no matter what the use for it will be...even if it will be a pincushion, it gets washed in this house!

wow..can you imagine your heart break when that quilt does get washed and the colors bleed all over your hard work>>>>

wash it and spray with sizing when you press it!

I make probably the same amount of bed/lap quilts and wallhangings. Probably 50% of each and I'm in the prewash camp.

I like to wash the chemicals out of the fabrics; just don't wash the precuts.