When you give a gift of a quilt, do you wash it first? I am making 4 quilts from layer cakes, (super easy and fast) and backing with cuddle, or minkey or whatever it is called, I did prewash the minky but should I wash the quilt before I give away?

I don't wash a quilt unless it is dirty. If you prewashed the fabric, it should be clean enough to give away.

Washing takes away the newness of the fabric. I have asked expert quilters about that and have been told they don't prewash the fabric or the quilt until it needs it.

Carol J.

I always wash my quilts. That way if there is a problem - I can fix it. Like a seam or to get any marking out. It doesn't happen that often but you never know.

I usually prewash mine just in case something comes apart! That way I can fix it. Nothing has ever happened but I'd rather find any potential problems myself.

I COULD NOT AGREE MORE....NOW ALWAYS WASH AFTER ALL DONE........ :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

ditto

Yup, I wash and preshrink mine too.

Yes, always wash the quilt.

I prefer to wash before giving. Then if there is a problem, I can fix it.

Same here. That way I can fix any loose threads before I give it. Something like a baby quilt will get a lot of washing anyway.

I wash mine too - the only time I don't wash it is if it is a wall-hanging.

I wash mine too...

Wash mine...I have fixed a few oops...so glad I found it instead of the ones I am giving them to and also love the way they look once washed.

I wash mine. I like to see the absolute FINAL look of the quilt, along with taking pictures and documenting it, before I give it away. And I love the crinkly look of washed quilts.

I so agree....................

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

I wash before giving

I haven't finished a quilt yet, only a baby quilt and some aprons. But I got some batik material that I am glad I prewashed because it runs. Haven't been able to get it to quite running yet, even though I tried to set the color with vinegar and salt. So now I always make sure to prewash and after reading the responses here I will be sure to wash before giving away to catch any problems.

Ditto!!!

I do. I've had my hands all over that quilt, and it's been on the ironing board, draped on the floor, and who knows where else.

I ALWAYS WASH EVERY SINGLE QUILT AS SOON AS THE BINDING IS DONE!!! I would never ever leave that to the new owner -- if something goes wrong i want to know it before it is given away-it can cause horrible stress and hurt feelings for the person who recieves the gift if they are the first one to wash it and something comes undone- or runs- or what ever---i would never do that to someone i care enough about to give them a quilt in the first place.

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.

If you have cats or dogs - YES!!! Otherwise get a pkg of color catchers and send along with laundry instructions if you don't want to wash.

I wash every quilt before it goes out the door. Gotta get that basting spray out and I want to make sure that it washes up good!!!

No it does not lose beauty....if anything its beauty is enhanced...

I always wash mine because I use basting spray, and I like to wash the spray out.

I wash my quilts in cold water, but I wash most things in cold water. The more hot water I use the higher the electric bill.

Ditto regarding temperature. I wash most everything in cold or warm/cold. I want the quilts I give away to be used and loved, so they need to be washer-friendly, and I make them with this in mind.

I wash all quilts before they go. Too much cat hair. There is also the very small possibility that something could go awry and I'd rather it happened before it was gifted. For instance, I back some of my quilts with flannel and I don't prewash flannel unless it's the Snuggle fabric from Joann's. Never had a problem, but I live on the edge.

Well, I guess I am with the minority here, I NEVER wash, my quilts before gifting, but I have no stinky animals with hair hanging around either. One more good reason not to have pets. Never thought of that one!!

I do wash mine, but always with hesitation. I'm so worried something will bleed, or shrink excessively and distort the entire quilt. So far, that fear has not been realized, but if it does, I'd rather have it happen to me, not the recipient. I can't recall a time I didn't think the washed quilt looked softer and more inviting than the prewashed quilt, and my goal is to have the person USE the quilt. If it isn't soft and inviting, I'm afraid it won't be used, and I don't want all my efforts to be stuffed in a bin or box.

I wash mine. I need to make sure that it looks really good all over after a wash. If there are going to be any unpleasant laundry surprises, I want to experience them firsthand. If the quilt is going to someone who might need quilt laundering instructions, I enclose them.