I'm planning a quilt with lots of red. What method do you recommend for setting the color? Obviously I'll wash it but anything else? I want to insure it does not bleed onto other pieces the first time it is washed.

You can use Retayne if you wash the prewash the fabric or you can use Synthropal after the quilt is finished. You can also use color catchers by Shout when the quilt is finished.

I have a primitive approach.

I soak it in hot water and see if the water gets red or pink.

If it does, I change the water and soak it again.

If/when the water barely changes color or is clear, then I wash it in warm (or cool) water on a short gentle cycle with just a tiny bit of detergent.

Then I dry the fabric on a permanent press cycle.

I do try to keep the agitation of new fabrics to a minimum.

My belief/feeling is that the recipient may not be aware of careful washing techniques and I'm into preventive maintenance.

Also, if after several changes of water, the water is still red - you have a "bleeder" - I would NOT use it. Period.