I iron before I start sewing but I rarely even wash....I guess it is mostly because I tend to lean more towards quilts that use jelly rolls and those would NOT wash well heh

Wash maybe, iron - heck no. I press as I get ready to use it.

I wash and iron only when I'm ready to use it.

I do so much applique so I do not wash and iron mine first. The only time I wash and iron my fabrics is if they are of a dark color that I think might run. Most of my quilts, both large and small, are for hanging on the wall and will more than likely never get washed anyway. I need the stiffness of the new fabric and I don't like to starch all over the fabric for hanging quilts, it attracts silverfish in our area and they like to munch.

No, I wash my quilt after I make it with a couple of color fast sheets, never had it fail me yet. And I do lots of red and white quilts.
Mae

I have always washed my fabrics that were whole not in strips. I try to press asap but sometimes I tend to wait until time to use. What ever you prefer is the right way for you. Everyone has there own way and no way is always right for the next person. Have fun quilting and finding great fabrics. Happy Quilting
Jean

I always wash before I put away, ironing comes when I'm ready to cut it.

I always wash my fabric first and iron it. I wash it because I don't want to store it with all the chemicals and sizing that are in it. Ever watch the gal cut your fabric straight, then you get it home and wash it and it comes out all crooked? The fabrics are stretched all to heck and back when made and washing it brings it back into its natural shape. Plus, there is nothing worse then using a fabric in a quilt, then washing it and watching the dye bleed into other fabrics or worse, change color completely.

Please be aware that any fabric that is imported into the US is fumigated and the boxes sprayed with insecticide. It is actually healthier to wash your fabrics rather then handle them with these and other chemicals still in them. Just something to think about.

Also, many people do not realize it but there is a special mold that grows on cotton fabrics and washing them when you bring them home will remove these spores. I'm highly allergic to mold and the doctor doesn't want me to handle the fabrics at the store, but I'm a quilter and fondling fabrics seems to be a symptom of being a quilter; so I just wash my hands a lot and make sure to wash my fabrics once I bring them home.

As soon as I get the fabric home I serge the raw edges, wash with a color catcher, dry it, iron it and store it. This routine has an added benefit as I get to pet and fondle my new fabric LOL!

That's a great site for new quilters. There is still no replacement for taking one first quilting class at either a school or quilting store.