I wash every quilt I give before it goes out. I use ORVUS paste, which is a pure soap with no detergent. I bought a big container of it at Fleet Farm, which will last me a lifetime, for 1/10th of what the same thing is at a quilt shop sold as a "quilt wash." I offer it to many of my quilt recipients. I wash in tepid water (fabrics have been prewashed with ORVUS & dried before cutting) and hang over a rod to dry. ORVUS is the soap used for cleaning farm animals and for fine washables. It has no bleach, scents, phosphates or color enhancers. I tell the recipient how to wash the quilt and provide a pillowcase-type coordinating bag for storing it.

I would finish the quilt first and then wash it, I have done several this way and they have turned out nice. I have also used fabric softner in the washing process.

Nothing new to say about washing. Just wanted to say that quilt is beautiful. :thumbup:

All new fabrics, either in quilts or in clothing, should be washed before using on a newborn. Their skin is so sensitive and the fabric finishes could cause a rash or allergies.

I'd wash it after finishing and before giving...it's a beautiful quilt! Also - IMHO, Shout Color Catchers are the best ones out there. We tried a differnt one and it didn't work as well.

Beautiful quilt indeed. I agree with everyone who said quilt first, wash second.

I wash each baby quilt after it is quilted and considered finished.

Love the colours.
I would also wash it.

Don't wash the top since it will fray badly! I would finish it and then wash it---but ask about sensitive skin first. My grandson had only one kind of laundry soap that didn't give him itchy rashes when he was little, so his mom had to wash everything he used first...

When gifting for little ones as they often want to use it right away - I always wash it. However, I always use the "All" Free and Clear (hypoallergenic) wash so whomever the gift is intended for won't have any potential to an adverse reaction to the detergent itself or the starch I used during pressing and construction. Nothing like a clean and snuggly blanket to bring a smile to someone's face!

Explosive blessings, abundance and inspiration to you all!
- The Creative Seamstress