If you are using quilt shop quality fabric you should not have to prewash. The only fabric I prewash is batkis because they are dyed several times. I also use a Shout Color Catcher. Needless to say, quilt shop fabric is all I use

I don't either. When recycling fabric only have to starch lightly & press depending on type of fabric. :-)

Thank you for the update on batik fabric. That is helpful.

Yes, I have noticed that the fabric from the quilt shop does not need prewash. I buy lots of fabric for charity quilt so I get them at goodwill and then I do need to wash them.

You found one right here in Florida also... Even when I lived in Michigan I have never washed my fabric.... It's a matter of choice....

I'm a very new quilter. My teacher says to soak fabric in salt water to set the dye, then pre wash. I'm still taking classes, so I follow directions. :)

I use to prewash, now I don't. The handling of unwashed fabric is so nice during the piecing process. I do wash the quilt once I have completed it, whether it is a gift, or not. I put a "color catcher" in the washer and any loose dyes are absorbed by it. It also removes any "dirt" the quilt received while under construction. Machine drying shrinks the batting (if it is going to) and sets the stitches. That's what works for me.

I don't prewash either. You are not alone.

I do not wash fabric first, but I do test a bit for color fastness, I like that they srnik after quilted and then washed. gives them a bit of a aged look

I always overseam the cut edges and then prewash. I do not want all my work ruined because of fabric bleeding. And believe me, I have seen it happen, turned the water red!or black or what ever dark color was being washed!