Miniature Art Quilts - WASH OR NO?
 

I have just finished a small wall-hanging art quilt w/ mostly sky, moon, trees, rocks...and 2 silhouettes of dogs. It is has a fair amount of quilting to it. It looks fine now but i wonder if it might look better or worse after washing/drying. I typically like the puffiness that occurs and it "might" add some dimension it is lacking now. at the same time, it might also look messier than i want. I guess i could iron it out flat again? what do others typically do w/ quilts of this type?

i don't wash my wall hanging sized quilts... i prefer the flat look of the new fabric

Personally, I don't wash my wall hangings. I like the colors dark and crisp, not washed out. I do love the washed, crinkly look of a quilt but not so much for the wall hangings.

I don't wash wall hangings either.

I never wash my wall hangings.

I don't wash my art quilts and I make sure to put a non-washable' label on those I turn over to others. When appropriate (e.g., when's there's nothing added to the surface that would be damaged by steam or water spray), I do block them when they're finished using the dry blocking method. That may be a compromise for you to consider.
http://academyofquilting.com/library...sary/blocking/

WOW thanks to everyone!! I have done 2 other mini's but they were quilts meant to look old and vintage-y. this one is different w/ so much applique on it. I thought it might look nice if the sky looked more ripply and the terrain (where it is quilted) but its not really a QUILT per se..more textile art. yes. thank you all!

I'm glad to hear these answers. I have wondered the same thing. Thanks.

I don't either. Just give them a good shake if there is a bit of dust on them.

I pre-wash all my fabric no matter what size quilt or project size. If it's a wall hanging I probably wouldn't wash it after finished. What's the point. If it's small enough you shouldn't get it dirty, but if it did get dirty, I'd just hand wash and dry flat.