My quilts aren't finished until they have a chance to bond with my washing machine, and sometimes even the dryer. I hang them out to dry when whether permits. I love how my quilts look in the backyard, even though I am the only one who sees them. Because the hand-quilting process takes such a long time, a quilt in progress is such an attraction to my four cats who enjoy them thoroughly. So washing is utilitarian for me, but I too like that vintage look. I rarely pre-wash my fabric, so if it shrinks a little, it only adds to the overall appearance that I love.

Carol Henrichs
rural01

To me, a quilt is not a quilt until it has been washed and gets tht quilty-cozy feel. Just my opinion though.

Sometimes I do sometimes I don't depending on how I made it and who it's for. ALL quilts made for Quilts For Kids get washed and dried.

I wash all my quilts once I complete them. I do not prewash my fabrics. Washing takes the dirt and oils out that may have gone on the quilt during construction. Washing also takes out any dyes or other chemicals in the fabric/batting placed there by the mfg. Washing/drying allows the fabric/batting to shrink and set together. I always throw a Shout Color Catcher in the wash to collect any color released during washing.

yes! always! Want to make sure it won't fall apart! Plus, want to set the fabrics with RETAYNE.

exactly!! this is what I do.

I wash for a few reasons - to get the vintage look, to wash out the spray basting or fusible batting stuff, I do work on my floor so there might be dirt, and I throw in a coupe of Color Ctachers as I do not prewash my material as a rule. I want the quilt to be ready to go without anyone thnking they can harm it.
Oh yes, I always wash baby quilts too so that they are softer.

wow, I have never washed my quilts... still learning... thought that the very new look would be what is desireable... although I love the crinkly vintage look... but... you all have changed my mind... from now on all quilts will be washed when done, before sending off to their new home...

I wash mine for similar reasons posted. It takes a long time to finish so has been all over the house and sitting on the ironing board, shelf or sewing rooms. So may be dusty and I also have the feline helpers that no matter what I do seem to get on it some time or other.

I donate most of my quilts that I do finish so want to make sure that any allergens are washed out.

Always - or maybe "almost always." I made some wallhangings that I didn't wash.

With all that starch and dust and lint washed away, the quilt is soft and cuddly and the quilting looks "vintage." Plus, it ensures that the quilt will hold together through laundering. :)