I'm one who doesn't pre-wash. lol!!!! I wash after it's all done, and haven't had any problems.
:-)

I wash it as needed.

i wash as soon as it comes through the door, well before i need it. i don't know what chemical has been used or where it's been or who handled it.
i zigzag the edges because i find the fewest loose threads that way. i dry at hottest to get the worst over with. if i see dye in the water, i go around again with synthrapol. i don't press until i need it - only flatten it when i'm ready to store it. if it's still warm , it flattens pretty well. i only press what i plan to use for that project. i never prewash batting. i want that to shrink for puckers.

I wash mine before I use it for quilting or whatever, this way, there is no surprise or dissapointment if it shrunk or had some bleeding.
db.

I've only been quilting a couple of years and did not prewash my fabric at first (advice of first teacher). However, I tend to prewash now, especially any darker fabrics. I use a Shout Color Catcher in the washing machine. You'd be shocked how much color bleeds to the Catcher. I do lop off the corners of the fabric before washing. I have a front load machine (no agitator) so I don't put the fabric in a lingerie bag or pillow case. Currently, my dryer is on the fritz, so I just hang the fabric. Good fabric doesn't wrinkle too badly, so I don't usually iron until I'm ready to use it. That way get the fold lines out along with any wrinkles.

I agree. I don't wash my material prior to quilting either. I like it to look as new as possible when I give my quilt away. Those assembled quilts that I've kept and have washed do just fine...even after several washes.
This fits in with the lazy side of me....doing no extra work!

are you still confused?

I'm sure you are. We all seem to have different opinions on prewashing. Confusing group, aren't we. :D :D :D

I used to be a purest and I washed everything before using. Then common sence took over. If I buy a kit or any of the Jelly roles that are the rage these days, I know they are not prewashed. I typically buy good fabric from quilt shops. I have never had a problem with them running or shrinking. If I buy fabric from JoAnn's or Walmart then I will wash it. Also, if I have a question about a dark color I will test it for over dye.

Gramily

I bought some quilt shop fabric - $9.00 a yard stuff- it shrank - the dark stuff had excess dye

As an experiment, measure before and after.