I was recently at my daughter's home and she asked me why the quilt I gave her last year felt stiffer than the quilts she remembered growing up. That's what got me thinking about this issue.

So, thank you, everyone, I love all these reasons. Nearly all my quilts are gifted to others and frankly, I'm tired of all the stress and handwringing over the washing. I always include a sheet of laundering instructions along with a few Color Catchers, but I think I'll start laundering so recipients always see the "after".

On large quilts...always but on small wall ones not unless I can see markings!

Yes I wash before giving for the same reasons--to be sure no seams come undone, fabrics don't bleed and to get the first crinkling/shrinkage done before gifting.

Me too, I wash as soon as I complete the binding, and for all the reasons already given. I don't think a quilt looks "used" after it is washed. If it did, I don't think I would be a quilter.

ALWAYS. For all of the above reasons. I wash with color catchers "just in case".

I agree with all previous replies. Also...I am sensitive to some soaps and laundry detergents, so I make certain to tell recipients that the quilt has been washed in non-allergenic products.

Another good reason to start laundering before gifting...Frixion pens.

I mark the rows of blocks before putting them together and mark before quilting. The ink disappears with the iron, but will return if exposed to cold temps. I've been explaining this to recipients but taking care of that before gifting would be another good reason. Additionally, I've noticed the Frixion ink shows up "ghosted" under certain lighting, like under my Stella lights...so, all these, I think, are valid reasons for pre-washing.

I consider washing the final stage in completing the quilt. It isn't done until it's washed and dried.

Since I use Elmer's Glue during the binding process I always wash before giving it as a gift. Plus this let's me know if any of the fabrics are bleeders plus so many folks are allergic to stuff these days I feel washing before hand eliminates anything in the fabric they might be allergic too.

I also wash all of my quilts after the binding goes on. There are a lot of chemicals used in fabric production and I like to remove them as much as possible. I also like the softness of a washed quilt. I use mainly washable silk battings that require "lay flat to dry". I lay them on top of 4 chairs spread apart so the air circulates well.