By now you have figured out there are no rules for washing, not washing, cutting, rulers, etc. You will develop your own sense of what you like to do and how you want to handle things. Questions are always answered on this board which is such a help to all of us! Welcome to quilting, you are embarking on a lifelong hobby.

I have never felt the need to wash something that is not dirty yet. I wash the quilt after it is done, mainly to get of the cat hair. (no door on the sewing room).

I usually NEVER pre-wash; however, the only exception would be reds or deep purples, just to avoid a problem later on.

I have put them in a lingerie bag with not much problem for an outfit, for quilts I don't wash, too much work

Again...no set rules. I wash everything, starch, iron, and fold. Never had a ton of unraveling, but do use a lingerie bag for FQ's. I have had bleeders, usually when I least expect it...yellow, yes, purple/red/teal...no! The main reason I wash is to get rid of the "chemical smell" most fabrics seem to have!

I've never prewashed anything in 20 years of quilting...it's never been a problem one

I also have never prewashed and never had a problem.

I don't usually prewash either unless red or deep purples. I do use a lingerie bag for F4 & F8 if I do.