I NEVER use a liquid fabric softener. I don't like how dingy the fabrics get after repeated use. I do not use any fabric softener when prewashing my quilt fabrics because I like a little body left in them. I press them when they come out of the dryer. That gives them a little stiffness and makes cutting ans stitching easier. When doing laundry, I use a dryer sheet.

I just wash the quilt when it is done and then use fabric softner. I give it an extra rinse to keep it from build up in the fabric. I won't use dryer sheets as they smell so chemical after drying.

When I was making clothes for my girls I was told NOT to use fabric softeners. Don't remember the reason but I never use them when I prewash fabric.

I am never sure which to do. When I took a class years ago I was told to always wash fabric before using it, but because of all of the cemicals in it from the manufacturing process and because alot of fabric is manufactured in other countries in poor conditions. She believed that there is a strong connection to the chemicals and breast cancer. Now that thought always stays in the back of my mind and I don't know what to believe. Has anyone else heard of this?

some people are sensitive to some of the chemicals in them

OK, I've been watching this thread and thinking, 'do I need to wash my fabric first, or not?' Well, I just went and got some 'Heat & Bond', and it says to wash your fabric first. I want to use it for applique on a doll quilt, so now I've got some of my material that I'm using, plus some other that is handy and similar in color in the washer on a warm water quick wash, with some detergent, and will probably add an extra rinse to make sure it will hold the bonding that I need for this doll quilt. Now I hope the 'Heat & Bond' will work and do what I want it to do. Otherwise, it's back to the drawing board... I plan to wash the other fabrics that are handy, and then go through my stash and wash it all sooner or later, organizing it to color and theme (like Christmas and other holidays, kids fabric, etc.) better as I go. Wish me luck, I'm going to need it!!! :]

Starch will work better if you don't. Also, NEVER use fabric softner if you're going to fuse something to it or fuse it to something else.

I use softener all the time and the fusible web sticks alright for me. i do not use a lot just a little bit.

When prewashing to just add to the stash I think you could just run it through regular cycle like you would the finished project. If you are prewashing for a project don't use the softener if you are using fusibles. I solve the problem by adding a cup of white vinegar to the first rinse (Oh, I know that is supposedly wasting water, but I have a top loader and it needs the extra rinse!)This helps dewrinkle before I put the fabric in the dryer. I also use lukewarm water (the Maytag people's "cold" water is supposed to be 65 degrees so I guess it is cold water.) That way the fabric isn't stressed from extremes.

And the fabric softener residue (including from dryer sheets) can build up in the dryer and if the dust builds up etc can cause a fire. Didn't believe it until it happened to a neighbor. So, now I vacuum out the dryer and don't use the softeners.