I wash batiks and very dark colors only. Everything gets washed when finished. Love that crinkly look.

I am in the only wash flannels or batiks. I much prefer to work with fabric that has its original fold and do not like to press any more than I have to. This industry has changes so much in the past years that fabric dye do not run or bleed as a general rule. But again its all up to your personal preference but in the past serveral years of quilting I have not had any run or bleed. another factor is to watch the quality of the fabric you purchase. the higher end fabric are just that; You pay for what you get.

I never wash fabric before making a quilt and I make mine to be used and cuddled.

After my very recent experience with a fabric that disintegrated in the washer, I am rapidly becoming one who washes before using. I'm STILL pulling apart the quilt top that I used the distintegrating fabric in.

I recently was tempted to skip washing (which I have always done) because I wanted to get on with the project. At the last minute I went ahead and popped the fabric in the sink to soak a few minutes. When I came back to it, the fabric looked like it had gone through a shredder, it disintegrated right before my eyes. I was very glad that I hadn't put that into a quilt and THEN have that happen. I will ALWAYS pre-wash.