I wash also - by the time it's done, it's been handled a LOT - and my cat has usually "assisted" a bit, too.

I also clear off the dryer top, hold it away from me when I take it out of the dryer, fold it immediately and put it in a large plastic bag (NOT a trash bag - one I can see through!)

I wash. I have two dogs and I sure do not want to give something to anyone that has allergies to dogs.

I prewash to make certain the dyes don't run and are safely set in the fabrics. I also like the old-fashioned look after it's washed.

I rarely wash before giving, except occasionally a baby quilt.
I do, however, always include care instructions.

me 2

I always wash for the same reasons, dog and cat fur!

I wash them to get the Elmer's glue and starch out that I use when binding. I only use hypoallergenic soap & fabric softener at my house due to my own allergies.

Me too! I like the wrinkled look, but I especially want to be sure that everything holds together. I'm not easy in my mind about a quilt until it's been washed and dried.

It depends on who is getting the quilt. I test my fabrics for bleeding before using them. I do have indoor dogs but I run a sticky roller over the quilt really good to remove any dog hair if I do not wash the finished quilt. It also depends on the quilt. If it is to look like an old quilt with the puckered look, yes I do wash.

I always wash. Just makes me feel better knowing that after all the prep, the piecing, and the quilting that I give it to them clean. I also like the wrinkled look though.