Yes, some fabrics do not play well with others. When getting the reds I'm using in my current project they where running red even after 4 washes, but seeing as the quilt will be red and white I had to get the red to stop, or else the entire quilt would have been ruined in just one wash.

I like the prunded, wrinkled, smooshed look of a quilt that wasn't prewashed, but so far I haven't been willing to ruin the quilt to make one.

Also while I work I do regular checks to make sure my quilt is "growing" to be the size I want it to. It would be very upsetting to me to think I had grown it big enough only to wash it and discover it was now to small, put post quilting and binding there's not much I'd be able to do about it. :(

I prewash everything and have been happy with the results. Just started using the color catchers and they are great. My first teacher said to wash all fabric and I guess I still listen to what she said.

I do both just depends on what I'm working on I guess. I haven't found major shrinking yet knock on wood.

I bought some fabric to make pillowcases - glad I didn't cut it BEFORE I shrunk it - it shrank almost 1.5 inches in width.

Thanks for all your replies everyone. I guess i will continue to wash. Also the tips on the sizing & color catcher are great. will look for the color catcher on the next shopping trip.

I also prewash and use the Shout color catchers..They are great..I like the crisp feel of the fabric too, so I also use spray starch when ironing to crip it back up..So much easier to work with.

Thanks everyone for all of your answers. I guess I will continue to prewash. The ideas for the color catcher & spray sizing are great. I was to the supermarket a little while ago & bought the color catcher.

OK I will use the color catcher only for new fabrics. I too like Oxi-clean. With several grandchildren, it sure is a handy thing to have around the house.

I am with Lovemy2bts...I use shout color catcher in the wash. i make exceptions for certain fabric :D

I usually do not pre wash, but the quilt I making now I did. It is a baby quilt and it will be washed many times, and most likely with hot water... so I did not want anything to happen to it. I always consider the use of the quilt. It seems like this is the most asked question about quilting. As always, I enjoy reading all opinions and learning!