I don't prewash for quilting, mainly because I'm lazy and also because I like the "crinkly" look after the whole quilt is finished and washed. The only fabric I've ever prewashed is rayon batik that I'm going to use for clothing.

I don't prewash good basic colors or prints, but I do prewash some inexpensive fabric to see if it's going to be acceptable. I bought some less than desirable fabric today to get the color I needed. I will wash it to see if it's going to be usable. I don't want to mix it with good fabrics if it won't wash well. I always prewash backing fabrics. The bigger the unsew piece, the more shrinkage. I did forget on the last one. I hope it doesn't shrink much as I am not a fan of the crinkled look.

I do spray and press all my fabrics, hoping the steam will take care of any shrinkage. It did with a Robert Kaufman. It was not prewashed or steamed and when it was pressed after it was in its strip, it shrunk. Yikes! Luckily I could adjust it then and I did wash the remainder of the piece.

How many color catchers do most people use? Is three any more effective than two? I always hold my
breath when the quilt is completed and it's time for that first wash.

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