I washed the fabric I used for this type of block - I did use sizing or starch on this fabric before cutting it - and my blocks are just fine.

I fussy cut each piece individually.

ALWAYS, never used to, but was told that I MUST and so glad that I do, bought a quilt top ,assured no need to wash but did and WOW LOTS BLED V BADLY!!

A friend of mine once said she doesn't wash fabrics before because she doesn't want her quilts to look old before she makes them. If I wash a quilt I always use vinegar in the wash to help keep the colors from running. Otherwise, I try not to wash quilts.

An interesting article about dyes and setting dyes

http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/FAQ/settingdye.shtml

I bought a piece of dearer of red fabric since it was the only one I could get. well I washed it to get the excess dye out of it and it kept bleeding. I used 2-44gallon drums of cold water and it still bled. I returned it to shop and got the brand I always buy. Now I wash all my fabric in hot soapy water and put salt and vinegar in the water to help set the dye, leaving the water to go cold. When I rinse the fabric I do it in hot water, if it bleeds I repeat the process, but it never has so far. Thank goodness, we only have tanks and can't afford water wastage. I just read you link on dyeing and I still think for me any way salt and vinegar together stops the dye from bleeding.

I have the prducts Retayne and Synthropol on the recommendation of a friend but I am not sure when to use which. Can someone give me more info about them?

it really is worth reading - and not overly technical

Thanks for the link - guess I should have read it before asking the question :)

I get all of them confused, too.

My method is to wash/soak the fabric until the water runs clear - or clear "enough"

My reason is that I am reasonably sure that the quilt will need to be washed at some time. I am also reasonably sure that the recipient will not be aware of all these techniques - about the best I hope for is "wash in warm or cold water - on a gentle cycle - and avoiding bleach or bleach-like substances"