This is one of those questions where the answer seems to be split 50/50. I've done this both ways and have decided that I prefer to wash my fabric first, then I don't have any surprises after washing the finished quilt. I agree with trying some both ways and over time you'll reach the decision that works best for you.

Me too. I also starch heavily before cutting.

I wash the colors that I think will fade...red, green, brown, black...I would hate to finish a quilt and have the new owner wash it and end up with a faded mess. Love the color catcher in the grocery store.

I still have my original quilting teacher's voice in my head telling me to "WASH THE FABRIC FIRST". So I do. I throw it in on a hand wash cycle and dry it on a low setting so it's still partially damp when I pull it out, then iron it.

I've only recently heard of people starching it before they cut. What is the reasoning behind that? Does it make it easier to cut if it's starched?

I find that starching it before I cut it makes it easier to handle. If you have pre-washed the fabric, the sizing has been removed and won't be as stiff as when you first purchased it.

Personally I prefer to pre-wash my fabric, then iron it with spray starch later. I was just taught in high school home ec to wash fabric and have just alway done it.

A friend of mine was a material buyer and said if you sean the factory that the material came from you would wash it. She woould be black when she came out. I wash.

A friend of mine was a material buyer and said if you sean the factory that the material came from you would wash it. She would be almost black when she came out. So I wash.

No. Unless is it flannel. I always wash flannel, it shrinks a lot and at different rates.

I wash! It gets rid of chemicals, odors, etc. Also good check if something bleeds.
I also throw in some vinegar in my downy ball for a fabric softener. Works great!