Hi and welcome to the board from Iowa. I do not wash before gifting.

Wash.

I also wash so they can enjoy their gift the same day. My Aunt was so happy when I told her that her new gift has been washed and dried. She was able to put the new quilt right on her bed.

My gifts come with a replacement guarantee! and I never wash and have never (in 20 years) had a problem. NOw, having said that... I guess I have yet to have a problem.

I wash because I have cats and dogs. While I do my best to keep the animals from getting too personal with my projects, they have other ideas!

Before I give something, it goes in the washer and then gets air dried under a fan in my storage room, which is kept animal free. Once it feels dry to the touch, it goes into the dryer for about 20 minutes on warm, to make sure all the moisture is gone.

Then it gets put into a cloth bag, wrapped in plastic and boxed.

I have a brother-in-law who is extremely allergic to cats and he has never had a problem with anything I've given him.

I prewash and after it is done also, most of the time.

I wash after it is quilted too. Mainly because of allergies someone else may have, so I wash and then put it in the box or whatever ASAP.

I'm going to start washing mine, never thought about that last look over... Quick question: Do you wash Cold water?

Yes I was cold with coldwater soap, gentle cycle....I also have started adding a tag on my quilts which include washing instructions....

I think another advantage of washing before giving as I feel they change character when washed. What if you gave an unwashed one and they wash it and feel they have ruined it because it got all wrinklely....and then they try to iron it and....and...and....

By washing it you are giving it in the state it will be even after they wash it....no surprises.....

I always wash mine. I use starch while I'm piecing, and I don't want it to remain. A quilt is handled a lot during its construction, and I think it needs a good wash when it's finished. The fabrics still feel and look new - and clean! If I thought a quilt lost any of its beauty after the first wash, I would give up quilting.