My educated guess is that if your color catcher sheet has turned dark, it's working. That's what I've always assumed.
But I'd go ahead and rinse with a little vinegar to be on the safe side. 8-)

I always wash my quilts before giving them as gift. I like the crinkled look!

I wash in cold water on delicate setting. I learned from this board to use the fabric color catching sheets in the first wash. Never had a problem, but it is a good idea. I also enclose the washing instructions with the gift.
I only use the color grabber once and toss it. If its dark it worked.

I was about to ask the same question!

YES!!! I always wash the quilt before giving it, that way if anything unfortunate happens i'm the one who gets it not the recipient.
and i wash it however i believe the recipient will care for it...not as if its a fragile heirloom (unless of course it is)
if it is a quilt for a child which will receive frequent washes i throw it right in in warm water, and toss it in the dryer. if colors run, or any seams come apart i catch the problem before the recipient has to be upset and wonder what now...

I always wash before giving as a gift. I hand quilt and need to make sure all the marking are out and oil from my hands. I do, however, always wash my hands before quilting or doing applique. Makes me feel better.

I don't prewash my material NOR the completed quilt. I like the crisp look!

I always prewash, for the same reasons already mentioned, plus, I use adhesive spray basting which needs to be washed out.

Cookies go with everything.
:thumbup:

Same here!
I do include care instructions.
I figure if I prewash a baby quilt, Mom is going to wash it anyway.